Paris –
President French, Emmanuel Macron, warned Russia would face severe consequences if it attacked Ukraine. Macron is planning talks this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
As reported AFP, Wednesday (26/1/2022), the buildup of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border has raised fears of conflict over Moscow’s pro-EU neighbour, but it remains unclear what the Kremlin’s intentions are.
“If there is an attack, there will be retaliation and the price (for Russia) will be very high,” Macron said alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a visit to Berlin.
“We call for a de-escalation of tensions and I also want to say how united Germany and France are on this,” he added, following speculation that Berlin could promote a softer line on Russia.
“We are preparing in parallel a joint reaction and response in case of aggression,” he said, adding that the Western powers were “absolutely united”.
Scholz added: “We expect from Russia clear steps that contribute to a de-escalation of the situation. We all agree that military aggression will have severe consequences.”
He also stressed that Moscow would have a “very high price” to pay if it violated Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
But Macron also insisted that “demanding dialogue” needed to continue with Russia and revealed he would hold a phone call with Putin on Friday.
These talks will provide an opportunity for Putin to provide clarification on what Russia is planning in Ukraine, Macron said.
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