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The leaders discussed in detail the developments in Ukraine. Charles Michel told Vladimir Putin about his contacts with the Ukrainian leadership during his recent visit to Kiev.

Vladimir Putin set forth his fundamental assessments of the special military operation to protect the Donbass republics. He mentioned the order to call off an assault on the industrial zone of the Azovstal plant on humanitarian grounds after the liberation of Mariupol. Moreover, all personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), militants from nationalist battalions and foreign mercenaries are guaranteed life and dignity in accordance with international law, and qualified medical aid. However, the Kiev regime does not allow them to use this opportunity.

The President of Russia told Mr Michel about ongoing measures to protect civilians, daily openings of humanitarian corridors and the announcement of a cease-fire for the safe evacuation of civilians from the zone of hostilities.

Attention was drawn to the irresponsible statements by EU officials about the need to resolve the situation in Ukraine by force of arms and their neglect of numerous war crimes of Ukrainian security agencies. It was noted that Brussels could influence the Kiev authorities, compelling them to stop the massive shelling of residential areas in Donbass and refrain from other crude violations of international humanitarian law.

In addition, the leaders of the majority of EU countries are taking actions that provoke overt Russophobia, which is manifest in the cultural, humanitarian and sports areas.

Responding to Charles Michel’s call for direct contact with Vladimir Zelensky, the President of Russia reaffirmed his well-known position on this issue. He noted this opportunity depends, among other things, on the specific results of the talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegates. During these talks, the Ukrainian negotiators have been inconsistent and unwilling to look for mutually acceptable solutions.

The conversation also touched upon the issue of ensuring stability and security in Nagorno-Karabakh, in part, with due account of the contacts held recently by Vladimir Putin and Charles Michel with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. They confirmed the fundamental importance of consistently implementing the key trilateral agreements between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia of November 9, 2020, and January 11 and November 26, 2021. In this context, Vladimir Putin told Charles Michel about the steps taken to restore economic and transport links, launch the process of delimiting the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, and start talks on a peace treaty between the two countries.