Putin-Macron Call Focuses on Ukraine & Czech Relations; Expert: Ukraine-Russia Talks Far Off

LOCAL NEWS

• Putin, Macron express concern over south-eastern Ukraine in phone call – both expressed commitment to cooperation with the Mink Normandy format.
  • Navalny and Czech relations were also discussed and the pair agreed to regular dialogue on key issues
• Ukraine Expert says Zelensky's statement RE meeting with Putin is a gimmick and a desperate attempt to demonstrate some changes to give hope for peace.
  • Argues Ukraine is still far away from real negotiations, shaping an agenda and setting a date and place for such a meeting.
  • Russia will also not take a meeting unless there are chances of reaching a strategic agreement. However, a meeting should not be ruled out but may take place with EU or US brokerage.
• Austrian Chancellor says he is against new anti-Russian sanctions, saying de-escalation is needed peace in Europe is only possible with Russian cooperation.
  • "EU sanctions that were introduced were correct, but it is important to bet on dialogue"
• Russia says it awaits explanations from the Czech, Bulgarian and Ukrainian leadership regarding media reports that munitions were kept at warehouses in Czech settlement of Vrbetice.
  • This calls Czech commitments into question RE the anti-personnel mine ban convention. Meanwhile Czech Senate is looking into charging President Zeman with Treason over remarks made on Sunday RE vrbetice