Macron holds phone conversations with Zelensky and Putin
“We are striving to preserve the integrity of Ukraine's civilian nuclear plants, in addition to other priority demands we presented to Russia: a ceasefire and the protection of civilians,” Macron posted on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.
As the Élysée Palace informs, during the conversation with Putin, the President of the French Republic expressed his deep concern about the risks to nuclear safety, security and safeguards resulting from the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, and the urgent need for concrete measures to be taken to address these risks.
Macron stressed the absolute need to avoid any damage to the integrity of Ukrainian civilian nuclear facilities, whose safety and security must be ensured in accordance with the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the proposals of its Director General.
Putin agreed that the IAEA should start work along these lines without delay. In this regard, the President of France stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all civilian nuclear facilities in the country under the responsibility of the competent Ukrainian authorities.
The President of France also called for respect for international humanitarian law, the protection of civilian populations and the delivery of aid. “He stressed the importance of a negotiated solution that is fully acceptable to the Ukrainian people,” reads the statement.
Finally, the President of France took advantage of this exchange to convey his concern about an imminent attack on the city of Odesa.
In a conversation with the President of Ukraine, Macron reaffirmed the absolute need to avoid any attack on the integrity of civilian nuclear facilities. The humanitarian situation in the country was also discussed.
"The President of the Republic remains attentive to the needs of Ukraine, and France will continue to strengthen support in this area," reads the statement released by the Élysée Palace.
As reported, a fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia NPP on Friday night as a result of shelling by Russian army heavy equipment. Power Unit 1 was hit. In this regard, an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was convened in New York.
On February 24, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops are shelling and destroying key infrastructure, conducting massive shelling of Ukrainian towns and villages using artillery, multiple rocket launcher systems, and ballistic missiles.
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