PARIS (Reuters). Russian President Vladimir Putin did not indicate in a telephone call to French President Emmanuel Macron Saturday that he would invade Ukraine. A French presidency official stated.

These two leaders met at a high-stakes moment in tension about Russia’s troop deployment near Ukraine. Washington stated on Friday that Moscow can invade at any hour. Russia denied plans to invade.

After Macron and Putin had spoken on the telephone for almost 90 minutes, the official said that there was no evidence President Putin is planning to take the offensive.

To avoid any untoward consequences, we are nonetheless vigilant and aware of the Russian (military), posture.

The Kremlin also stated that Putin highlighted in the conversation with Macron the “lackof a substantive reply from the United States or NATO to well-known Russian initiative”. It was referring to several Russian security requirements, such as the demand that Ukraine be barred from joining NATO.

The situation around “provocative speculations,” a Russian invasion allegedly being planned, was also addressed by Putin and Macron.

Officials at the Elysee advised French nationals to avoid travel to Ukraine. They also said that preparations were being made for staff of the embassy and their families to flee Ukraine if necessary.

French Ambassador to Ukraine would examine the situation of some 1000 French nationals living in the country. Some are French-born and have Ukrainian citizenship. Fears of invasion have been raised by the United States as well as many countries around the world, and they are urging citizens to flee Ukraine.

Macron traveled to Moscow earlier in the week. On Saturday, they discussed how to proceed with the Minsk Agreements regarding achieving peace in Ukraine and conditions of security and stability within Europe.

Macron was scheduled to meet with Joe Biden, the U.S. president.

The Elysee stated that Macron reiterated his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and sovereignty during the conversation with Zelenskiy.

Scholz will visit Kyiv Monday, followed by Moscow Tuesday. The Elysee stated that the French and German positions are “perfectly aligned”.