Macron Talks With Indian PM, Discusses Trade To Russia-Ukraine War

JAKARTA - French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders of the country coordinated their position on the war in Ukraine.

Reported by Reuters on Thursday, August 21, Macron explained that regarding the trade issue, the two leaders agreed to strengthen economic exchange and strategic partnerships.

India is under pressure from the United States over the purchase of Russian oil and goods from the country facing an additional rate of up to 50%, one of the highest imposed by Washington on the matter.

Most recently from Russia's Ukraine peace efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, provided all issues have to be resolved first. Russia expressed doubts about Zelenskyy's authority to sign a peace agreement.

Putin and US President Donald Trump met on Friday last week in Alaska for the first Russia-US summit in more than four years and the two leaders discussed ways to end Europe's deadliest war since the Second World War.

After its summit in Alaska, Trump said he had begun arranging a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, which will be attended by a trilateral summit with the US president.

When asked by reporters whether Putin was willing to meet Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: "Our president has repeatedly said he (Putin) is ready to meet, including with Mr Zelenskiy".

"With the understanding that all issues requiring consideration at the highest level will be discussed properly, and experts and ministers will prepare appropriate recommendations. And, of course, with an understanding of the signing of the agreement in the future, the issue of legitimacy of the person who signed this agreement from the Ukrainian side will be resolved," Lavrov said. reported by Reuters, Thursday, August 21.

Putin has repeatedly cast doubt on Zelenskyy's legitimacy as his term of office expires in May 2024, but the war means no new presidential election has yet been held.

Kyiv stated that Zelenskyy remains a legitimate president.

Russian officials say they are worried that if Zelenskyy signs the deal, potential Ukrainian leaders can sue him on the grounds that Zelenskyy's term has technically ended.

Zelenskyy previously said Kyiv wanted a "hard reaction" from Washington if Putin was not willing to meet him bilaterally.

European leaders say they are skeptical Putin is truly interested in peace, but is looking for a credible way to ensure Ukraine's security as part of a potential peace deal with US minimal engagement.