Putin and Poroshenko Met and Discussed in Normandy

This week, the whole world was living in anticipation of D-Day.

D-Day - this name is remembered by history as the moment of the landing of Allied forces on the Normandy coast in 1944.

D - from the French word 'Débarquement' - landing. But today it is interpreted differently - as a day of diplomacy.

On the shores of France, an invisible political battle was underway these days. The Western press was discussing the Ukrainian issue.

Who did the newly elected president Petro Poroshenko meet, who tried to influence Putin to stop aggression, who extended a hand, and who did not. And what does it mean in diplomatic terms? Sofia Hordienko investigated.

For those who missed it in the school curriculum - Hollywood always reminds. The opening scene of the film 'Saving Private Ryan'. Lead clouds over American soldiers, behind them - the English Channel. Ahead - the fusillades of fascists.

For Europe, this day marks the beginning of the end of World War II. In the town of Ouistreham, preparations are underway for celebrations and the arrival of two dozen heads of state. Ladies - in dresses, villas - with the flags of the Allied countries.

Another preparation - diplomatic - took place throughout the week. Invisible to the naked eye. How to handle the Ukrainian issue and what will each say to Putin? The main intrigue.

Even before his inauguration, Petro Poroshenko managed to meet with almost all Western leaders. His first foreign visit was to Warsaw. Barack Obama flew there specifically. They talked one-on-one for an hour. The result - the USA will provide Ukraine with billion-dollar assistance under long-term guarantees and help the army with bulletproof vests, dry rations, and night vision devices. Weapons - supply is prohibited by international conventions.

Barack Obama, President of the USA:

- It is important for the international community to support Poroshenko's efforts in negotiations with Russia. So that Moscow no longer supports and arms the separatists in Ukrainian territory - it will have serious consequences for the Kremlin.

Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine:

- I want to thank the US authorities, President Obama, and the American people for their continued support. From the first day after the inauguration, we are ready to provide a plan for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the east.

On the same day, in the evening, in Brussels, the leaders of the new Entente - G7 - which today includes Germany, Italy, and Japan, were deciding how to deal with the threat of an undeclared, but already begun war. While the round table is captured by cameras - the leaders are relaxed and smiling. Their goodwill is deceptive. Russia faces a third round of sanctions if by the end of June the Kremlin does not stop aiding terrorists in Eastern Ukraine.

Barack Obama, President of the USA:

- Given Russia's influence on armed men in Eastern Ukraine, Moscow must take responsibility and convince them to cease violence in the region, lay down their arms, and start dialogue with the Ukrainian government.

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation:

- The parties to the negotiations in this case should not be Russia and Ukraine. Russia is not a participant in the conflict, but the Kiev authorities and supporters of federalization in the East.

Putin still stubbornly does not hear signals from the West. He calls terrorists 'supporters of federalization' and does not acknowledge the Kremlin's involvement in the war in Ukraine. The G8, which has become the G7 after Russia's expulsion, met this Wednesday without Putin. Russian Prime Minister Medvedev calls it 'so-called', while President Putin makes jokes at the expense of world leaders.

- How do you feel about them being there without you now?

- I want to wish them bon appétit.

Putin was invited to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy. However, for this, European diplomats criticized the host - the French president. He had to blush even for the fact that while the entire civilized world rallied against the aggressor, France continues to collect Mistral helicopter carriers for 'Rosoboronexports'?

François Hollande, President of France:

- As for the Mistrals, we are bound by a contract. From 2011 to November of this year. So far, there are no third-stage sanctions that could stop our cooperation.

Sofia Hordienko, correspondent:

- Everything happened so rapidly that it seemed coincidental. Only now it has become clear - Normandy was chosen for a reason. The leaders of the world powers trapped someone who could disrupt almost 70 years of peace on the continent.

The schedule of meetings is planned down to the minute. After ceremonies at military cemeteries - lunch at the Château Benouville.

Another intrigue - who will sit next to whom at lunch? Western leaders hint - Vladimir Putin will seriously spoil their appetite. Between Putin and Obama - the host of the celebration François Hollande, the English and Danish queens. Petro Poroshenko - a bit further away. Next to the Czech and Italian presidents. But it was impossible not to meet. And during this lunch, there were two conversations.

Petro Poroshenko talked with Vladimir Putin for about 15 minutes. In the presence of Merkel and Hollande. Immediately after the group photo, but still before the appetizers were served - 'Saint Jacques'.

After lunch, whether the atmosphere influenced it or the Norman cuisine, but Putin and Obama also started talking. Although the latter had made it clear the day before that there could be no conversation face-to-face.

Later it became known: all discussions were about the situation in Ukraine.

Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine:

- Of course, the mood was very tense, but despite this, it is a good sign that the negotiations are starting. We expect in the near future recognition of the elections by the Russian Federation. Third - let’s see based on the results of the beginning of negotiations on Sunday, and the rest - we agreed not to disclose for now at the request of all parties involved in the negotiations.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia:

- It is necessary to cease the punitive operation in Eastern Ukraine. After all, no one has told them anything so far. No one has specifically offered them anything. Here we spoke in detail with the British Prime Minister, the Chancellor of Germany. And also with Mr. Poroshenko regarding the forthcoming signing of the association agreement. I warned that we would take measures to protect our own economy.

Despite ongoing threats towards Ukraine, Russia nevertheless took a forced step towards recognizing the legitimacy of the elections. It sent ambassador Zurabov to Ukraine. He has already been seen at Petro Poroshenko's inauguration.

- The very fact of the meeting, albeit brief, but the meeting of the presidents of the two countries, the fact of the ambassador's return and his presence at the inauguration - this is a signal. A signal that we are ready to restore dialogue.

François Hollande, President of France:

- To gather 19 leaders of states. Putin, Poroshenko, Obama. This was an opportunity for us, along with Madame Merkel, to provoke their conversation.

Now the warm reception of Putin becomes clear. And why Hollande and Merkel, unlike David Cameron - were not embarrassed to extend a hand to the 'unhandshakeable politician' before the meetings. The diplomatic trap was well prepared and… what is very important - excellently adorned.

Dancers in Jean-Paul Gaultier costumes depict soldiers falling from bullets. On the screens - fragments of chronicles. Presidents are forced to think about what war actually brings. The most touching moment of the celebration - two soldiers - from the German and French armies shake hands. Actually, this is what Europe today expected from Putin and Poroshenko. At least a fragile peace.

Sofia Hordienko, Vasily Trushkovsky, Details of the Week, Inter Channel.