Reuters found out why a big table was placed between Macron and Putin

Reuters: Macron and Putin sat far apart due to Macron’s refusal of a PCR test

French President Emmanuel Macron refused to do a PCR test for coronavirus in Russia when he arrived for talks with President Vladimir Putin, so a distance was maintained between them, said Reuters citing two sources close to the French president. In particular, this is why the presidents sat at a four-meter table during the negotiations, the agency specified.

According to his interlocutors, Macron was offered a choice: to be tested and be able to communicate with Putin at a shorter distance, or refuse, and maintain a safe distance.

“We understood very well that this meant no handshakes and this long table. But we couldn’t let them get the president’s DNA,” one of the sources said. Reutersciting security concerns if Macron were to be tested by Russian doctors.

One of the interlocutors Reuters clarified that Macron passed a PCR test in France before flying to Russia, as well as an antigen test upon arrival. this testing was performed by his personal physician.