Macron talked to Putin by phone. For the first time since 2022

French President Emmanuel Macron talked by phone with Russian leader Vladimir Putin about the Iranian nuclear program and Ukraine – the Elysee Palace informed on Tuesday. The Kremlin said that this was the first conversation of politicians from 2022. In February 2022, Russia began aggression on Ukraine.

In terms of Ukraine, Macron “emphasized that France unwavering supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of this country, “the Elysee Palace said. The French president “called to establish a truce as soon as possible and start negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for a thorough and permanent resolution of the conflict.” As added in the announcement, both leaders will continue to contact this matter. The announcement stated that the conversation lasted over two hours.

Taking the topic of Iran, Macron reminded about the obligations regarding the nuclear issue that rest on France and Russia – countries that are permanent members of the UN Security Council. According to the message, Macron “insisted that Iran diligently comply with his obligations arising from the nuclear weapon system” and that this was done in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (Maea).

He also talked about determination to find a diplomatic solution on the Iranian nuclear program, Iranian missile shells, as well as the role of this country in the region. The Elysee Palace reported that Macron and Putin agreed that they would “coordinate their efforts” and talk again in the near future.

For its part, the Kremlin announced that in Putin's opinion “the Ukrainian conflict is a direct consequence of the policy of Western states”, which – according to him – “ignored Russian security interests for many years.” In the Russian communication, the thesis was repeated about the alleged “violation of the rights of the Russian -speaking population in Ukraine”. The Kremlin also stated that Western countries pursue the policy of “extending combat operations” by providing weapons “to the regime in Kiev”.

Macron and Putin talked by phone for the last time in September 2022, i.e. during the first months of Russian aggression to Ukraine.

From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)

awl/ kar/