Putin and Macron speak by phone for first time in nearly three years and discuss war in Ukraine
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
The Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation. This is their first contact in almost three years, according to the Kremlin’s Telegram channel and RTL.
Kremlin’s version
As noted by the Kremlin, the Russian President and the French President discussed in detail the war between Israel and Iran, as well as the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
"Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron emphasized the special responsibility of Russia and France as permanent members of the UN Security Council in maintaining peace and security, particularly in the Middle East region, as well as in preserving the global nuclear non-proliferation regime," the Kremlin stated.
Putin and Macron supported resolving the conflict in the Middle East "exclusively by political and diplomatic means."
When the conversation turned to Russia’s war against Ukraine, Putin cynically claimed that the conflict is allegedly a consequence of Western policy. He accused Western countries of "ignoring Russia’s security interests."
Putin also complained that the West allegedly created an "anti-Russian foothold" in Ukraine and "supported violations of the rights of Russian speakers." The Kremlin head mentioned fantasies that Western countries supposedly try to prolong the fighting in Ukraine by supplying weapons.
Putin once again stated that ending the war against Ukraine must "involve addressing the root causes of the crisis and rely on new territorial realities."
Élysée Palace’s version
The Élysée Palace reported that Macron’s conversation with Putin lasted about two hours.
In particular, the French leader emphasized that Iran must fulfill its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This includes full cooperation with the IAEA.
Macron expressed his determination to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the conflict surrounding Iran. He also agreed with Putin to hold further talks to discuss the issue.
"As for Ukraine, the President of the Republic stressed France’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Élysée Palace noted.
Macron also called on the head of the Kremlin to immediately implement a ceasefire and begin negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to achieve a lasting and sustainable resolution.
The French president and the Russian President agreed to continue discussions on this issue as well.
The last conversation between Putin and Macron took place on September 11, 2022.
Macron has previously stated on multiple occasions that the Russian President lies about his desire to establish peace with Ukraine. According to the French leader, Putin must be forced to stop lying.
