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According to The Telegraph, Russian President Vladimir Putin told France’s Emmanuel Macron and said he would rather play “ice hockey” than talk with US President Joe Biden about averting war in Ukraine. According to the outlet, the development occurred just four days even before the Russian invasion began.
Mr. Putin and Mr Macron had a nine-minute conversation in February during which the disdainful remarks were made. According to The Telegraph, the details of this discussion will be revealed in a documentary that will air on France 2, the main state television channel, on Thursday.
The call concluded with Mr. Macron suggesting to Mr. Putin a last-minute meeting with US President Donald Trump. According to the UK-based Express, while the Russian President was not opposed to the idea, he did not show up interested in setting a date.
“To be honest, I wanted to go play ice hockey,” he said on the phone, according to the outlet.
“I’m speaking to you from the sports hall before we begin the physical exertion. But first, I’ll consult with my advisors “Mr Putin went on to say.
According to Express, Putin also slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of “doing nothing” to implement the Minsk agreements.
The documentary will also include footage of Mr. Putin’s conversation with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Meanwhile, amid the ongoing conflict, Mr Putin warned Finland and Sweden on Wednesday that if they accept NATO troops and military facilities on their territory, Moscow will respond.
“Only we must clear and precise understand – while there was no threat before, in the case of armed services contingents and military infrastructure being deployed there, we will have to react symmetrically and raise the same threats in those regions from where threats have arisen for us,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a news conference in Turkmenistan, according to CNN.
He also stated that if Sweden and Finland join NATO, Russia will be unconcerned.
