Russia says France sought ‘dialogue’ without Ukraine

MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday said France had tried to establish “dialogue” with Moscow on Ukraine but without Kyiv’s participation -- a claim that was dismissed by Paris as “intemperate”.

Western countries have called for a united front in support for Ukraine and have constantly said that no decisions could be taken without Ukraine’s agreement.

“On several occasions our French colleagues have appealed through confidential channels: ‘Let us help, let’s have a dialogue on the Ukrainian question’. Without Ukraine,” Lavrov said at a press conference. He said Russian officials were “ready to listen”. Lavrov did not say when these appeals might have happened or reveal any more details about the supposed contact.

“The Russian authorities are accustomed to making intemperate remarks aimed at exploiting a war of aggression for which they bear full responsibility,” a French diplomatic source said.

“As France has reiterated since the beginning of the war, it is up to Ukraine, the aggressed country, to define the time and conditions under which they wish to enter into a negotiation process,” the source said.

After nearly three years of conflict, the possibility of peace talks is being discussed as US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office next month.

Trump has repeatedly stated he will aim to bring the fighting to an end without explaining exactly how.

France has floated the idea of sending Western troops to Ukraine to monitor a possible ceasefire.