MOSCOW. May 3 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed the situation in Ukraine with French President Emmanuel Macron over the phone.
"The Russian president briefed [French President Macron] on the progress of the special military operation to protect the Donbas republics, including the liberation of Mariupol and the evacuation of civilians held by nationalists at the Azovstal plant in accordance with the agreement reached at Vladimir Putin's meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on April 26," the Kremlin press service said following the phone talk between the two countries' leaders.
The Russian leader outlined principled approaches to talks with Ukrainian representatives.
"Despite Kyiv's inconsistency and unwillingness for serious work, the Russian party is still open to the dialogue," Putin said.
The Russian president emphasized that the European Union countries ignore the war crimes committed by Ukrainian law enforcement officers, and the massive shelling of Donbas cities and settlements.
"It is noted that the West could help put an end to these atrocities by exerting the appropriate influence on the Kyiv authorities, as well as by stopping the supply of weapons to Ukraine," the Kremlin said.
Putin also congratulated Macron on his win in the recent presidential election.