Macron and Putin, the first telephone conversation after almost three years: Ukraine and the nuclear program in Iran, on the agenda

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, had a telephone conversation of over two hours with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin – the first direct discussion between the two leaders of September 2022.

After triggering the invasion in Ukraine, many leaders interrupted communication with Russia. Photo: EPA-EFE

The discussions targeted two major international security topics: the Ukraine War and Iran's nuclear program, according to an official statement of the Élysée Palace, quoted by AFP and News.ro.

The French president reaffirmed support “Uncluttered” of France towards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He asked “Establishing as quickly as possible a cessation of fire” and launch some peace negotiations leading to “A solid and durable solution” for conflict.

In reply, the Kremlin leader claimed, according to the Russian Tass agency that the Ukraine war is “A direct consequence of the politics of the Western states”, which “They have ignored Russia's security interests for years, created an anti -retained base in Ukraine, and tolerated violations of Russian residents.”

Putin added that any possible peace agreement must be “Long term”.

Another topic of discussion: Iranian nuclear file

On the theme of Iran's nuclear program, the two leaders agreed to “Coordinate the steps” and “to return soon with a new discussion”. Macron emphasized the need for the Tehran to comply with the commitments and asked to resume the activity of the inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA) in Iran.

For his part, Vladimir Putin said that it is important that Iran would be respected to use the peaceful use of nuclear energy, but also that the Tehran will fully cooperate with AIEA.

Macron pleaded for a diplomatic solution “Durable and demanding” Regarding the nuclear program, the missiles of Iran and the role of the Tehran regime in the region.

First conversation after breaking the diplomatic ties

This conversation marks a resumption of direct contact between a Western leader and the Russian president, in a context in which most European and American leaders interrupted their communication with the Kremlin after the invasion in Ukraine, on February 24, 2022.

In November 2024, Vladimir Putin expressed his regret that “Western leaders do not call it anymore”, declaring in the Valdai forum that Russia “He has nothing against resuming contacts.”