France prepares to restart talks with Russia over Ukraine war

French President Emmanuel Macron says technical preparations are underway to restart dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine. Macron stated that work is ongoing for a potential phone call, signaling a move to reopen communication channels that have been largely frozen.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of violating a previous truce and exploiting an energy pause during a severe cold snap. Zelenskyy also indicated a shift in Ukraine's negotiation strategy following recent Russian attacks.