Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Sputnik.

"Yes. We will release our statement now," Peskov said.

Earlier, Reuters reported, citing the Elysee Palace, that Macron had conversations with Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. The agency said Putin and Macron had agreed to remain in touch in the next few days.

Putin, on conditions for settlement, considers recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, as well as the demilitarization, denazification, and neutral status of Kiev. 

The Russian President told Macron that the settlement around Ukraine would only be possible if the Russian's legitimate security interests are unconditionally taken into account. 

Putin also told the French President that the Russian side is open for negotiations with representatives of Ukraine, expecting them to lead to their desired results. 

On the other hand, Macron expressed his hopes for a resolution to the current conflict through dialogue and negotiations with Kiev.

The two presidents had a thorough exchange of views on all aspects of the situation regarding Ukraine and agreed to maintain communication and contact. 

A week ago, a planned telephone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place.

The statement described the call as "the final possible and necessary efforts to avoid a major conflict in Ukraine." It comes a day after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky told Macron during the Munich Security Conference that he would not respond to what he called Russia's "provocations".

However, Zelensky also called on Western governments during the conference to stop a "policy of appeasement" toward Russia.