The French authorities are seriously concerned about escalation in Donbas.
France has asked the Russian Federation to clarify, using OSCE channels, recent significant troop movements near the border with Ukraine.
This was announced by the French Foreign Ministry.
Read alsoForeign Ministers of Ukraine and France discuss Russia-related aggravation of security situation
It says that French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian held telephone conversations with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas.
"France considers it important and urgent for Russia to provide clarifications on the framework and justifications for these movements, including through OSCE channels. We call on Russia to cease its provocations and to take with no delay the necessary initiatives to initiate a de-escalation," the French Ministry said.
The French Minister recalled France's full support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. "In this context, France underlines that it does not and will not recognize Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea. We support the posture of restraint and responsibility adopted by the Ukrainian authorities in this context," he said.
According to him, France will continue its diplomatic efforts, in close liaison with Germany within the Normandy Format, to achieve the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. "These efforts remain essential to achieve a de-escalation of tensions and a resolution of the Ukraine crisis," he said.