Macron believes it is critical to maintain talking to Putin

• France is also backing Ukraine for “immediate” candidate status to join the European Union.
• French President Emmanuel Macron tells EU leaders in Brussels.
• He’d previously said membership could take years if not decades.

Another remark from French President Emmanuel Macron, who is appearing alongside other EU leaders following meetings with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to Reuters, he stressed the need of maintaining contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose troops had invaded Ukraine.

Read More: Ukraine slams Macron’s remarks

As we’ve been reporting, Macron also says he and his counterparts back Ukraine for “immediate” candidate status to join the European Union.

He’d previously said Ukraine’s membership bid could take years if not decades. Macron also says France is sending Ukraine six more long-range Caesar guns – on top of the 12 it’s already committed.

Read More: French journalist killed in Ukraine: Macron