Kremlin delivers sharp response to Macron's remarks on talks with Putin
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has openly insulted French President Emmanuel Macron, calling his desire to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin a public relations ploy, according to Russian media.
Speaking at a press conference after a meeting with Namibia’s Foreign Minister, Lavrov was asked about Macron’s intention to hold talks with Putin.
In response, Lavrov said this was "not serious" and a public relations ploy. He argued that when someone like Macron says he plans to talk and propose something in a few weeks, it is a microphone or megaphone diplomacy, which, in his view, has never led to positive outcomes.
In December 2025, Macron said it was necessary to begin looking for formats that would allow European countries to "re-engage in a dialogue with Russia — in transparency and association with Ukraine."
In January, Macron stated that he did not rule out the possibility of contact with the Russian leader, indicating that this could occur in the coming weeks.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni backed Macron’s remarks, saying the EU should resume contacts with Russia to maintain influence in negotiations. The European Commission also supported this position.
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the Europeans' intentions, saying Kyiv had no objections to such talks.
Notably, Russia initially confirmed its readiness for contacts. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian leader was prepared for dialogue with Macron "if there is mutual political will."
