‘I didn’t change my number': Macron still open to dialogue with Putin if it helps to bring peace

BRUSSELS — French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday he would still consider talking with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin if it helps creating a sustainable peace between Ukraine and Russia. If not, we’ll cope.” Speaking in Brussels at the end of a summit where EU leaders decided to open membership negotiations with war-torn Ukraine, Macron said he remained open to dialogue with Putin on finding a peaceful solution if the Russian leader reaches out to him. I haven’t changed my number.” Macron added that if Putin shows a will to kick-start a dialogue that can build a lasting peace, France is ready to help. “If President Putin has a willingness to engage in dialogue and serious proposals to move forward and emerge from the conflict and build a lasting peace, that is to say one that respects international law and therefore Ukrainian interests and sovereignty, I’ll take the call,” Macron said.