Emmanuel Macron called on Vladimir Putin to spare civilians in Ukraine, the French leader’s office said in a statement.

For his part, Russian president stressed that the demilitarisation of Ukraine and Western recognition of Russian sovereignty over the Crimean peninsula were prerequisites to ending fighting in Ukraine, the Kremlin said.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Macron told Putin to cease assaults on civilians, preserve civilian infrastructure and secure Ukraine’s roadways. “President Putin confirmed his willingness to commit on these three points”, - the statement said.

The call between the two leaders lasted 90 minutes.