While France does not accept a Russian-proposed moratorium on short- and intermediate-range missiles, it backs building “a new security architecture” together with Moscow, President Emmanuel Macron pledged.
Earlier in the day, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Macron reached out to President Vladimir Putin, responding to the Russian proposal.
“The reply wasn’t detailed, of course. But at least, there is an understanding of [Russia’s] concerns and readiness for dialogue on this matter,” the official said.
In the meantime, the French leader urged NATO to have “robust and clear-headed” talks with Russia. Europe should strive for a new collective security system that would embrace Moscow, he opined.
Macron had earlier championed mending European Union’s ties with Russia, warning against the “strategic error” of isolating the “deeply European” country.
