Macron urges ‘firm’ dialogue with Russia on Ukraine crisis

As tensions on Ukraine’s border remain volatile, NATO’s Secretary-General believes the Eastern European nation is the victim of Russian aggression.

French President Emmanuel Macron is urging leaders to engage in firm dialogue on the ongoing Ukraine crisis

This follows Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly pledging there will be no further escalation following lengthy talks with Macron in Moscow.

Putin assured his French counterpart he will not ramp up the current crisis on Ukraine’s borders, as the West continues to advocate for diplomacy.

Speaking shortly prior to meeting with Ukraine’s leader, Macron says he “secured assurances there would be no deterioration OR escalation”

But Russia has delivered a questionable response to these claims, noting any suggestion of a guarantee is “not right”.

US officials stand by estimates Russia is 70 percent ready to stage a war on Ukraine, with 100,000 troops still assembled on its border with Ukraine.

President Macron is continuing his diplomatic tour throughout the region in an attempt to find a solution to the crisis.

At a conference with Ukraine’s President Zelensky, Macron assured the world there is now the chance to “make the negotiations move forward”.