Observers were struck by images of Mr Macron and Mr Putin sitting at opposite ends of 4-metre-long table to discuss the Ukraine crisis on Monday, with some suggesting Mr Putin might be wanting to send a diplomatic message.
French President Emmanuel Macron refused a Kremlin request that he take a Russian COVID-19 test when he arrived to see President Vladimir Putin this week, and was therefore kept at a distance from the Russian leader, two sources in Mr Macron's entourage have said.Mr Macron instead took a French PCR test before departure
Three days later, Mr Putin shook hands and had a close meeting with the Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayevsitting at opposite ends of 4-metre-long table to discuss the Ukraine crisis on Monday, with some diplomats and others suggesting Mr Putin might be wanting to send a diplomatic message. But two sources, who have knowledge of the French President's health protocol, said Mr Macron had been given a choice: either he accepted a PCR test done by the Russian authorities and was allowed to get close to Mr Putin, or he refused and had to abide by more stringent social distancing."But we could not accept that they get their hands on the President's DNA."The second source in Mr Macron's entourage confirmed Mr Macron declined to take a Russian PCR test.
The source said Mr Macron instead took a French PCR test before departure and an antigen test done by his own doctor once in Russia."The Russians told us Putin needed to be kept in a strict health bubble," the second source said. On Thursday, three days after Mr Macron and Mr Putin had their socially distanced meeting, the Russian leader received Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
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