Gas Payments in Rubles and the Ukrainian Crisis: Macron and Putin Had a Phone Conversation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron had a phone conversation lasting over an hour, according to Russian media reports. The presidents discussed the situation in Ukraine, taking into account the negotiations that took place in Istanbul, with special attention given to humanitarian issues.

The transition to paying for gas supplies in rubles was also discussed.

Putin informed Macron about measures to assist civilians in Ukraine, including evacuations from Mariupol. The Russian leader emphasized that for the complex situation in Mariupol to stabilize, Ukrainian nationalist fighters need to lay down their arms.