Putin kept Macron at a distance for snubbing COVID demands: sources

Observers were struck by images of Mr Macron and Mr Putin sitting at opposite ends of 4-metre-long (13 ft) table to discuss the Ukraine crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron refused a Kremlin request that he take a Russian COVID-19 test when he , and was therefore kept at a distance from the Russian leader, two sources in Mr Macron's entourage told Reuters.

Observers were struck by images of Mr Macron and Mr Putin sitting at opposite ends of 4-metre-long (13 ft) 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 the two sources, who have knowledge of the French president's health protocol, told Reuters 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.