Emmanuel Macron and Putin talks: Elysee Palace makes statement
President Macron and leader Putin (Photo: Getty Images)
The Élysée Palace stated that telephone talks between French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are not currently planned, according to BFMTV.
France officially commented on reports of possible high-level contacts between Paris and Moscow.
The Élysée Palace emphasized that in recent weeks, there has been no dialogue between the French leader and the Kremlin head, and reports about preparations for negotiations are not accurate.
No contacts between Paris and the Kremlin
On Friday, the Élysée Palace announced that no telephone talks between Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin are currently planned.
Officials close to the French president clarified that there have been no negotiations recently and that no calls are currently planned.
Thus, Paris officially denied reports of allegedly planned contacts between the two sides.
Trip to Moscow not under consideration
Separately, the French administration noted that a visit by Emmanuel Macron to Moscow is also not on the agenda.
The Élysée Palace emphasized that no such plans exist, signaling the continued distance in political relations between France and Russia.
Statements on dialogue and the Kremlin’s position
Earlier, on December 19, Macron spoke in favor of finding formats that would allow European countries to re-engage in dialogue with Russia, in a transparent way and in cooperation with Ukraine.
The Kremlin, for its part, expressed readiness for such contacts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Vladimir Putin is ready for dialogue with French President Macron if there is mutual political will.
Macron confirmed the launch of a large-scale defense program in France, which includes the construction of a next-generation aircraft carrier, despite budget uncertainties and postponed discussions on state spending, emphasizing that the project aims to modernize the navy and support the national economy.
Macron also announced that the next round of talks on security guarantees for Ukraine within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing is scheduled for January 2026.
