:quality(75)/cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/VlHdSVWf/poster.jpg?fit=850%2C400&ssl=1 "Vladimir Putin accuses Ukrainians of using Russian hostages as human shields")
The Russian President, Vladimir PutinOn Saturday, he accused the Ukrainian forces of “flagrant violations” of humanitarian law and called on his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to pressure Kiev to put an end to them.
During a phone call with his two counterparts, Putin mentioned “extrajudicial killings of opponents,” “civilian hostage-taking” and their “use as human shields,” as well as the “deployment of ‘heavy weapons’ in residential areas, near of hospitals, schools and nurseries,’ according to a Kremlin statement.
He also blamed Ukrainian “nationalist battalions” for “systematically disrupting rescue operations and intimidating civilians trying to evacuate” from combat zones.
“Vladimir Putin urged Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz to influence the Kiev authorities to put an end to these criminal actions,” the Kremlin added.
The call, which began around 12:00 (11:00 GMT) ended around 2:00 p.m., the French presidency said, adding that Macron had previously spoken with Zelensky.
The three leaders had already spoken by phone on Thursday, in a conversation in which France and Germany “demanded Russia for an immediate ceasefire.”
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
Source: Gestion
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
