Macron Urges Putin to Halt War in First Direct Talks Since 2022
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and engage in peace negotiations, during their first known conversation since the autumn of 2022.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Politico.
The call, which lasted two hours, signals a renewed French effort to break the diplomatic deadlock, though Moscow showed no indication of changing course.
Macron reiterated France’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and urged the swift initiation of negotiations aimed at achieving a durable and credible resolution to the war.
“The president of the Republic stressed the urgent need for the establishment, as soon as possible, of a ceasefire and the launch of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for a solid and lasting resolution to the conflict,” the Elysée said in a statement.
Yet the Kremlin’s account struck a different tone. It claimed Putin reminded Macron that the war was “a direct consequence of Western policies” and insisted that any peace agreement must be “long-term,” suggesting that the Russian president continues to hold the West responsible for the war and is not prepared to offer immediate concessions.
In addition to the Russian-Ukrainian war, the two leaders discussed the Iranian nuclear issue.
Both sides agreed that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward, with the Kremlin stressing Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and calling for full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
According to Suspilne, shortly after the conversation with Putin, Macron held a follow-up call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The conversation was described as “constructive,” though the source added that Putin’s position remained unchanged and showed no indication of a willingness to end the war.
Macron was among the few Western leaders to maintain regular contact with Putin during the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, their dialogue had stalled after their last call in September 2022.
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