Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone for the first time in nearly three years, discussing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, particularly Iran’s nuclear situation.
The Kremlin described the exchange as “substantial,” while the French side said the two-hour conversation included Macron urging an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and renewed peace negotiations.
Putin reaffirmed Russia’s position that the Ukraine war was provoked by the West’s disregard for Russian security interests. He insisted any peace deal must reflect “new territorial realities,” referring to Russia’s claimed annexation of Ukrainian territories.
Macron, however, emphasized France’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and stated that only Ukraine can decide on any territorial compromises.
On Iran, both leaders addressed the growing nuclear tensions. Putin stressed Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development under the non-proliferation treaty, while Macron called for full cooperation from Tehran with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran recently passed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear sites, though Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
Both leaders agreed to continue coordinating on Ukraine and Iran. This marks the first direct contact between them since September 2022.