Russia says France is allegedly ready to hold dialogue on Ukraine. Paris responds

Reuters reports.

It is noted that such a statement was made by Russia after a conversation between Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu.

"It is not true. At no moment did we show any willingness to dialogue on Ukraine or negotiations or anything like that," France said.

They say that the discussion was focused on the increased terrorist threat after the attack on a shopping center near Moscow, for which the Islamic State claimed responsibility.

• French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has spoken by phone with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for the first time since October 2022.