French President Emmanuel Macron said he is seeking support from Russian President Vladimir Putin for a "world truce" during the coronavirus pandemic.
During an interview on French radio on Tuesday, Macron confirmed that China, the United States, and the United Kingdom were already on board with such an idea. "President Xi Jinping confirmed his agreement to me," he said. "President Trump confirmed his agreement to me. Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed his agreement to me. I think president Putin will definitely agree too."
The United Nations' Secretary-General Antonio Guterres first called for a world truce last month, highlighting how war-torn countries were facing a particuarly difficult time during the pandemic. "The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war," added Guterres. He has indicated that nations should come together to fight COVID-19, not each other. He's since confirmed that representatives have been working with Yemen, Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan among other countries to help intiate ceasefires.
"I spoke to him at the start of this initiative. I haven't spoken to him since I got the firm confirmations of the other leaders," Macron said of Putin. "I think that for sure President Putin will agree and the day he says he does, we'll be able to hold this video conference and relay this call in a solemn, forceful, and efficient way."
On Wednesday, Putin's spokesman Dimitry Peskov said the country would "most likely" support the truce. "As soon as this work is completed and [passes] approval with other partners, relevant statements will be made," said Peskov.
