French President Emmanuel Macron convened a defense and national security council on Monday.
This was announced by the Elysee Palace, reports BFM-TV.
It is noted that Macron convened a meeting of the Council of the Security Council as the Kremlin prepares to recognize the independence of the temporarily occupied territories of the ODLR.
Emmanuel Macron held a telephone conversation with Putin on Monday, during which the Russian president told him of his intention to recognize the "sovereignty" of the so-called "republics" of the ORDLO.
Macron also held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen.
U.S. President Joe Biden is also meeting Monday with his national security team on Russia and Ukraine.
EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell said Monday that if Russia recognizes the two "republics" ORDLO, he would activate the EU's sanctions procedure.
