MOSCOW: During a phone discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that all of Moscow's security concerns must be taken into account for a resolution in Ukraine.

Putin reiterated on Monday that a deal would only be possible if Russia's security concerns were addressed, including "Russia's sovereignty over Crimea," as well as the country's commitment to completing the tasks of demilitarization and denazification in Ukraine, as well as the issue of Ukraine's neutral status, according to a statement from the Kremlin.

Putin  reportedly stated that Russia is open to conversations with Ukraine and expressed hope that they would result in the right outcome.

The Kremlin said, "The French side expressed its well-known views on Russia's special military operation... and expressed hope for a rapid resolution of the situation through discussion."

Putin said that Russia's military forces do not target civilians or constitute a threat to citizens."Ukrainian nationalists are a threat," Putin stated, referring to the use of civilians as a "human shield" by the Ukrainian government.

According to the Elysee, Macron requested that Russia follow international law and safeguard civilians. "The French President reaffirmed the need for a rapid ceasefire," according to the Elysee.  Putin and Macron agreed to keep in touch in the future.

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