Ukraine crisis: Macron, Scholz discuss response to Russia - DW News.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on Tuesday, with the two leaders welcoming diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

The German and French leaders discussed a coordinated response should Russia move forward with an invasion of Ukraine.

Scholz called on Russia to pursue "clear steps" to de-escalate tensions.

Scholz said a Russian threat to Ukraine's territorial integrity would bear "serious consequences" for Moscow. In addition, he defended how the German government has handled the crisis.

"We have done a great deal to actively support economic development and democratic development in Ukraine," Scholz said.

Macron said the two countries are "united" in the need for de-escalation in Ukraine.

"If there is an attack, there will be retaliation and the price (for Russia) will be very high," Macron said.

At the same time, the two leaders said diplomatic talks will continue.

"We will never give up dialogue with Moscow," Macron said.

Representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France will meet in Paris tor talks on Wednesday in what's known as the Normandy format, a development which was praised by Scholz.

The French president also said he would hold phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, as part of a "demanding dialogue" with the Kremlin.

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