Macron has urged Putin to support a ceasefire in Ukraine and called for the launch of credible negotiations aimed at ending the war
The President of Russia – Vladimir Putin and the President of France – Emmanuel Macron, spoke by phone for the first time since September 2022, holding what the Kremlin described as a “substantial” conversation, covering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
The call lasted 2 hours, where Macron urged Putin to support a ceasefire in Ukraine and called for the launch of credible negotiations aimed at ending the war.
In preparation for the call, Macron consulted with the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy and also briefed him afterwards. Macron also discussed the outcome with the President of the U.S. – Donald Trump, signaling a coordinated Western diplomatic effort. Trump had earlier said that he would resolve the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of resuming office for the second term.
The Kremlin’s readout emphasized Putin’s view that the war in Ukraine stemmed from “the West’s disregard for Russia’s security concerns,” and reiterated that any peace deal must acknowledge “new territorial realities,” a reference to Russia’s claimed annexation of occupied Ukrainian regions. Macron, in turn, reaffirmed Franc’s “unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” underscoring that Kyiv alone would determine the terms of any settlement.
The two leaders also addressed the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. Putin asserted the importance of recognizing Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development and noted Tehran’s continued adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, Iran was found in non-compliance with its NPT safeguards obligations in an unusual non-consensus decision because it “failed in a number of instances over an extended period of time” to report aspects of its enrichment program.
Macron, however, expressed concern about the Iranian nuclear threat and emphasized the need for Iran to fully cooperate with the United Nations nuclear watchdog – the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He advocated for renewed engagement by all 5 permanent members (U.S., Russia, China, France and Britain) of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to find a diplomatic resolution that addresses not only Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also its ballistic missile program and regional influence.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks following Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Following this, Iran’s Parliament passed a bill suspending cooperation with the IAEA. While Tehran denies pursuing a nuclear weapon, Western powers remain unconvinced.
Macron and Putin agreed to continue dialogue on both Ukraine and Iran, suggesting a cautious re-engagement after a prolonged diplomatic freeze.
