Putin will make this humanitarian crisis much worse: McMaster
Former national security adviser H.R. McMaster weighs in as Russian troops close in on major cities.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he’s convinced the "worst is yet to come" from Russian President Vladimir Putin after a tense 90-minute call between the two leaders Thursday about the war in Ukraine, according to reports.
The call was initiated by Putin and was distinctly more confrontational than previous exchanges with the Russian leader, the Washington Post reported. The two men also spoke Monday and last Thursday as Macron tries to keep diplomatic channels open.
"Your country will pay dearly because it will end up as an isolated country, weakened and under sanctions for a very long time," Macron said in the phone call, according to his office. He also "called on Vladimir Putin to not lie to himself."
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French President Emmanuel Macron speaks in Belfort, eastern France, Feb. 10, 2022. (Associated Press)
The Kremlin said Putin told Macron that his objective in Ukraine "will be fulfilled in any case."
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Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking to the media during a joint news conference in Moscow, Feb. 1, 2022. (Associated Press)
"Attempts to gain time by dragging negotiations will only lead to additional requirements for Kyiv in our negotiating position," Putin said to Macron, according to the Post.
French President Emmanuel Macron (R) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) in Moscow on February 7, 2022, for talks in an effort to find common ground on Ukraine and NATO. (Photo by SPUTNIK / AFP) (Photo by -/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images) (Photo by -/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)
"I spoke to President Putin this morning," Macron tweeted after the phone call. "He refuses to stop his attacks on Ukraine at this point. It is vital to maintain dialogue to avoid human tragedy. I will continue my efforts and contacts. We must avoid the worst."
Russian and Ukrainian leaders were scheduled to have talks around the same time as the call but so far no diplomatic agreement has been reported.
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Macron also announced his plan to seek re-election on Thursday.