First Macron-Lukashenko Call Since Russia Invaded Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday in the first known direct contact between the two leaders since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The call, initiated by Macron, covered regional issues and relations between Minsk and the European Union as well as with Paris.

The conversation comes amid increasing diplomatic activity around the war in Ukraine and efforts to explore possible negotiations with Russia. European leaders are also discussing contingency scenarios should US President Donald Trump's diplomatic initiatives fail to produce results.

Belarus remains one of Moscow's closest allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly warned in recent months that the Kremlin is seeking to draw Belarus deeper into the war. Lukashenko rejected this a few days ago and declared his readiness to negotiate with Zelensky.

(reuters, max)