U.S. President Joe Biden and Russia’s Vladimir Putin have agreed in principle to hold a summit on the Ukraine crisis, the office of French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.
“The substance will have to be prepared by (U.S.) Secretary Blinken and (Russian Foreign) Minister Lavrov during their meeting on Thursday 24 February,” the Elysee palace said.
“It can only be held at the condition that Russia does not invade Ukraine.”
Read more: Pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine declare full military mobilisation
Macron will help prepare the contents of the discussions, the statement added.
The President of the Republic spoke with the President of the United States, Mr. Joe Biden and the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin.
He proposed a summit to be held between President Biden and President Putin and then with relevant stakeholders to discuss security and strategic stability in Europe.
The French say @POTUS Biden and #Russia Vladimir Putin have agreed "in principle" to a summit, following @EmmanuelMacron speaking with both leaders today.
Most important part of the readout: "It can only be held at the condition that Russia does not invade Ukraine." pic.twitter.com/Qm6OKqwE7T
— Stephen Anderson (@stephenreports) February 21, 2022
Presidents Biden and Putin have both accepted the principle of such a summit.
The substance will have to be prepared by Secretary Blinken and Minister Lavrov during their meeting on Thursday 24 February.
It can only be held at the condition that Russia does not invade Ukraine.
Read more: US, Russia open high-stakes talks on Ukraine
The President of the Republic will work with all stakeholders to prepare the content of these discussions.
Reuters with additional input by GVS News Desk