Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held a telephone conversation on Tuesday, their first known contact since September 2022, with sharp differences on Ukraine and cautious agreement on diplomacy regarding Iran.
According to the Kremlin, Putin used the call to blame Western policies for the war in Ukraine, telling Macron the conflict was a “direct consequence” of the West ignoring Russia’s security interests and turning Ukraine into an “anti-Russian bridgehead.” He added that any peace deal must be “comprehensive and long-term” and recognize “new territorial realities.”
The Kremlin said Putin reiterated that peace must address what he called the "root causes" of the conflict, suggesting again that Moscow would not consider returning seized Ukrainian territory.
In contrast, the Elysee Palace said Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and called on Russia to agree to a ceasefire “as soon as possible.” He urged negotiations toward “a solid and lasting settlement.”
On Iran, Putin told Macron that Tehran has a “lawful right” to develop a peaceful nuclear program. Both leaders reportedly agreed to resolve tensions over Iran and other Middle East conflicts through diplomatic means and to “continue contacts” on the matter.
The call marked a rare direct communication between Putin and a Western leader amid ongoing war and rising global tensions.
According to the Kremlin, Putin used the call to blame Western policies for the war in Ukraine, telling Macron the conflict was a “direct consequence” of the West ignoring Russia’s security interests and turning Ukraine into an “anti-Russian bridgehead.” He added that any peace deal must be “comprehensive and long-term” and recognize “new territorial realities.”
The Kremlin said Putin reiterated that peace must address what he called the "root causes" of the conflict, suggesting again that Moscow would not consider returning seized Ukrainian territory.
In contrast, the Elysee Palace said Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and called on Russia to agree to a ceasefire “as soon as possible.” He urged negotiations toward “a solid and lasting settlement.”
On Iran, Putin told Macron that Tehran has a “lawful right” to develop a peaceful nuclear program. Both leaders reportedly agreed to resolve tensions over Iran and other Middle East conflicts through diplomatic means and to “continue contacts” on the matter.
The call marked a rare direct communication between Putin and a Western leader amid ongoing war and rising global tensions.
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