“The readiness for dialogue on Ukraine was confirmed. The initial arrangements could be based on the Istanbul peace initiative. Holding a meeting in Geneva without Russia’s participation makes no sense,” declared the Russian military body after the talks.

He also said that Lecornu persistently tried to convince Shoigu that Kyiv and the West did not participate in the attack on the Crocus City Hall concert hall, transferring responsibility to the Islamic State.

However, the Russian head stated that the Russian investigation has information about the Ukrainian trail in the organization of the attack.

The Russian minister also warned his French counterpart about the problems that the appearance of a French contingent in Ukraine would pose for Paris.

“Regarding the statements from the Elysee Palace regarding the sending of French troops to Ukraine, Shoigu indicated that, if they are put into practice, this will create problems for France itself,” reads the note from the Russian military portfolio issued after the call, made at the request of the French side.

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