Macron meets Putin in Moscow, aiming for a de-escalation

President Emmanuel Macron of France, who has positioned himself at the centre of Europe’s furious diplomatic manoeuvring over Ukraine, said on Monday that the continent was at a “critical crossroads” as he met in Moscow with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.

Amid fears over Russia’s military buildup surrounding Ukraine, Mr. Putin and Mr. Macron met at the Kremlin, sitting some 20 feet apart at a long table to maintain social distancing. In televised opening remarks, the Russian president spoke to his French counterpart using the informal form of address, and praised France for trying to resolve the “fundamental questions of European security.”

Macron told the Russian president he was seeking a "useful" response "that of course allows us to avoid war and to build bricks of trust, stability, visibility."

Putin, for his part, said Russia and France shared "a common concern about what is happening in the security sphere in Europe".

"I see how much efforts the current leadership of France and the President personally, is applying in order to solve the crisis related to providing equal security in Europe for a serious historical perspective," Putin said.

Macron, who is expected to seek re-election in April, has positioned himself as a potential mediator, with French officials voicing skepticism over predictions by Washington, London and other Western capitals that a Russian assault is imminent.

On his arrival, Macron told reporters he felt reasonably optimistic but that also he didn't believe in "spontaneous miracles."

Russia has deployed more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders. It denies planning an invasion, but says it is ready to take unspecified "military-technical measures" if demands are not met, including a promise by NATO never to admit Ukraine and to withdraw some troops from Eastern Europe.

Washington has rejected thos

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