stressing the need for Europeans to fine-tune their objectives. Macron announced in December his intention to resume direct exchanges with Putin, largely suspended over Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. "It's not a matter of days, there are preparations involved," he told reporters after EU leaders' talks in Belgium. "I think what we need now is to work among ourselves, on what we want to ask." Earlier this month, Macron sent his diplomatic adviser to Moscow to begin laying the groundwork.

"We need to prepare this, as Europeans, in order to be ready, when the time is right, for a discussion with the Russians," Macron said. "And what do we want? We want security guarantees for Ukraine, but we also want things for Europeans," he added. Among his priorities, Macron cited "issues of prosperity, the future of our Europe, and security architecture." The French leader raised the prospect of reviving dialogue with Putin in an interview published Tuesday by several newspapers, arguing it should be "well organised" with European partners, but without "too many interlocutors" involved. (Bssnews)