Macron to call Putin after G20: Official

A French official said Monday that President Emmanuel Macron will call Russian President Vladimir Putin following the Group of 20 Summit in Bali, where the Russia is anticipated to face intense pressure.

The senior Elysee official told journalists that Macron "will call him after the G20," lamenting Putin's "isolation" over the war in Ukraine.

Unlike other European leaders, the French President has kept in contact with Putin and will "continue to talk," as per the official. Macron will also tell China's Xi Jinping that "pressuring" Russia over the war in Ukraine is in Beijing's "interest."

On the sidelines of the G20 summit, Macron will reportedly meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and urge him that "your interest, like mine, is to put pressure on Russia so that it returns to the negotiating table and respects international law."

Earlier today, Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping expressed optimism that the United States and China can manage growing disagreements and avert conflict as the two leaders met or the first time in more than three years.

It is worth noting that the summit is considered the biggest gathering by the group of leaders since the pandemic began.