Macron tells Putin he is making 'serious mistake'

Macron told Putin that he was "committing a serious mistake" and added that the Ukrainian government was not, as Russia claims

Earlier today Russian President Vladimir Putin had a call with French President Emmanuel Macron. 

Qazet.az reports thatThe Elysee Palace says Putin claimed the Russian military operation was going "according to plan" and "at the pace he wants it to".

Macron told Putin that he was "committing a serious mistake" and added that the Ukrainian government was not, as Russia claims, a Nazi regime - telling him his point of view did not reflect the reality, the Elysee says.

The French president said he was worried about the impact on civilians including from bombings around Kyiv - something Putin denied.

Macron told his counterpart Russia would end up "as a very isolated, weak country" under sanctions, the Elysee added.

Macron also spoke to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky - who said that his country would not surrender but remained open to dialogue.