IN a call ahead of the UN COP26 climate conference in the U.K., Russia’s President Vladimir Putin told Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the steps being taken to accelerate Russia’s advance towards “net zero” carbon emissions.

Putin “expressed regret” that he could not attend the Glasgow conference in person due to the worsening COVID-19 situation in Russia.

The prime minister’s office shared a read-out of the call, and noted that Johnson “hopes” Russia will bring their goal of carbon-neutrality forward by a decade to 2050.

“He [Johnson] welcomed the steps Russia has taken in recent days to commit [to] net-zero by 2060,” the statement said. “The prime minister expressed his hope that Russia will raise that target to achieving net-zero by 2050 as well as making further progress on ending deforestation.”

A statement from the Kremlin in Moscow said Russia will send a delegation to COP26 in Glasgow, which “will contribute to the successful work of such an important international forum.”

But earlier on Monday, the U.K. leader admitted a much-needed international climate agreement is in doubt.

“I’m very worried because it might go wrong and we might not get the agreements that we need,” Johnson told a news conference, where questions were asked by local children, in 10 Downing Street.

“It’s touch and go,” he added. However he did end on a positive note. “It’s very, very difficult, but I think it can be done,” he told the children. (SD-Agencies)