Zelensky Discusses Situation in Russia with Macron

Zelensky Discusses Situation in Russia with Macron

Vladimir Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, stated on his Telegram channel that he discussed the situation in Russia and on the battlefield with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"We also extensively discussed the situation in Russia and on the battlefield... We need to act decisively, both militarily and politically. Therefore, it is crucial for the summit in Vilnius to be productive," said Zelensky.

Zelensky further mentioned that he and Macron, along with the IAEA, agreed to closely monitor the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Zelensky described the conversation with the French President as "useful and fruitful," as always.

The NATO summit will take place in Vilnius on July 11-12. Previously, Vladimir Zelensky stated that if Ukraine does not receive an invitation to NATO at the summit in Vilnius in July, it will demotivate Ukrainian troops. He has repeatedly spoken with leaders of European countries, President Joe Biden, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, urging them not to undermine Ukraine's position. Stoltenberg stated on June 19 that formal invitation of Ukraine was not being discussed at the Vilnius summit or during its preparations, but consultations were being held on the decisions that would bring Kyiv closer to membership in the alliance.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is located on the left bank of the Dnieper River near the city of Enerhodar. It is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe in terms of the number of units and installed capacity, with six power units each producing 1 gigawatt. In October 2022, the nuclear power plant came under Russian ownership. Ukrainian military forces continue to regularly shell Enerhodar and the surrounding area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has stated that the Kyiv regime is trying to create the perception of a nuclear catastrophe threat by deliberately shelling the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly called for the establishment of a safety zone around the power plant.