The French President, Emmanuel Macron, begins a two-day visit to St. Petersburg from today, where he will meet Vladimir Putin, and will participate in the International Economic Forum as a guest of honor together with the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe. This was reported by the French press, explaining that the main international dossiers, such as those concerning Ukraine, Syria and the environment, will be at the center of the talks between the two heads of state. The Iranian nuclear deal, however, will play an important role, given Washington's recent decision to exit the Vienna pacts. Macron will be the spokesperson for the European Union, trying to calm the tensions between Moscow and the western bloc formed by Paris, London and Berlin. The French head of state will try to establish points of convergence with Putin, who is also opposed to the US move. Events such as the Skripal case, the attack by Western forces in Syria and the confirmation of sanctions against Moscow have exacerbated relations between Europe and Russia, leading to an escalation of tension that will not facilitate dialogue between leaders. Despite international friction and the contrary opinion of a large part of his staff, Macron decided to make this trip anyway.
Meanwhile, attacks continue in Syria. At least 12 government fighters died overnight in eastern Syria during an air raid conducted by the international coalition against terrorism. This was reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (Sohr), a non-governmental organization based in London. Coalition fighters allegedly hit a Syrian government auto column south of al Bukamal, a town on the west bank of the Euphrates on the border between Syria and Iraq. In the air strike, 12 pro-government fighters were killed. Sohr states that the victims are not regular soldiers, but foreign fighters whose nationality is not specified. In turn, the Syrian government news agency "Sana" states that the international anti-terrorism coalition has carried out several air raids in the sector of al Bukamal. However, according to “Sana”, the attacks would only cause material damage.