Macron hopes for ‘historic solution’ to Ukraine crisis ahead of Putin meeting

By Salam Batha

Before arriving in Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron believes he can bring a “historic solution” to the Ukraine conflict.

Macron will arrive in Moscow on Monday seeking a “de-escalation” of the tense stalemate on Ukraine’s eastern borders, following a flurry of diplomatic action that included discussions with US President Joe Biden last weekend and three phone contacts with Putin.

Russia has denied any intention of invading Ukraine, but it has tens of thousands of troops on its borders, forcing the US to request an additional 3,000 troops to buttress Nato’s eastern flank in Poland and Romania.