Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, at the French side’s initiative on August 19, 2022.

The discussion focused on various aspects of the situation around Ukraine. Vladimir Putin, in particular, stressed that the regular strikes on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant by the Ukrainian military creates the danger of a major nuclear disaster that could lead to radiation contamination of vast territories.

Both leaders noted the importance of sending an IAEA mission to the power plant as soon as possible to allow experts to assess the situation on the ground.

The Russian side confirmed its readiness to provide the necessary assistance to the agency’s inspectors.

Vladimir Putin also reminded the other party that Russia had invited experts from the UN Secretariat and the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the pre-trial detention centre in Yelenovka, where a large number of Ukrainian prisoners of war died following a missile strike by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The President of Russia also informed the French leader about the progress of the package deal signed on July 22 in Istanbul to facilitate the export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports and the export of Russian food and fertilisers to world markets.

He pointed out the remaining obstacles to the above Russian exports, adding that the situation is doing little to resolve global food security problems.

The presidents of Russia and France agreed to maintain contact on the issues raised.