Putin demands recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, demilitarisation and denazification of Ukrainian state

Russian president Vladimir Putin told France's Emmanuel Macron during a phone conference that he would 'spare civilians' trying to flee Ukraine.

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

For his part, Putin 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.

"Vladimir Putin stressed that a settlement is possible only if Russia's legitimate security interests are unconditionally taken into account, including the recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, the demilitarisation and denazification of the Ukrainian state and ensuring its neutral status," according to a Kremlin readout of the call.