President Joe Biden spoke with President Emmanuel Macron of France today. The world leaders discussed the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. President Macron also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Macron says he proposed a summit be held between President Biden and President Putin to discuss security and strategic stability in Europe. Biden and Putin have both accepted “the principle of such a summit,” France says.
The details would have to be prepared by US Secretary of State Blinken and Russian Minister Lavrov during their meeting on Thursday 24 February, the French Government said.
“It can only be held at the condition that Russia does not invade Ukraine,” Macron’s office added.
The White House later confirmed the agreement.
“As the President has repeatedly made clear, we are committed to pursuing diplomacy until the moment an invasion begins,” Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. “Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Lavrov are scheduled to meet later this week in Europe, provided Russia does not proceed with military action. President Biden accepted in principle a meeting with President Putin following that engagement, again, if an invasion hasn’t happened. We are always ready for diplomacy. We are also ready to impose swift and severe consequences should Russia instead choose war. And currently, Russia appears to be continuing preparations for a full-scale assault on Ukraine very soon.”
This is a developing story.
