French President Emmanuel MacronPARIS, Jan 25French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern about the situation near the borders of Ukraine and stated the need to work for an early de-escalation, the Elysee Palace said in a communiqué. Macron took part in a video conference organized at the initiative of US President Joe Biden, during which the topic of Ukraine was discussed. The video conference was also attended by the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Council Charles Michel, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the leaders of Germany, Italy, Great Britain, Italy, Poland. de-escalation. This de-escalation must go through firm and reliable warnings against Russia, which requires constant coordination between European partners and allies, and through an expanded dialogue with Russia that we are conducting,» the communiqué says. This also implies the continuation of negotiations within the framework of «Norman format», noted in the administration of the French leader. The Elysee Palace confirmed participation in the meeting of political advisers in the «Norman format» on January 26. Kiev and Western states have recently expressed concern about the alleged increase in «aggressive actions» by Russia near the borders of Ukraine. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is moving troops within its territory and at its own discretion. According to him, this does not threaten anyone and should not worry anyone. Russia has repeatedly rejected the accusations of the West and Ukraine of «aggressive actions», stating that it does not threaten anyone and is not going to attack anyone, and statements about «Russian aggression» are used as an excuse to deploy more NATO military equipment near Russian borders. The Russian Foreign Ministry previously noted that Western statements about «Russian aggression» and the ability to help Kiev defend itself against it are both ridiculous and dangerous. >Biden said contact with European leaders showed unity
