8 hours ago
Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 23:39 IST
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine during their first call in nearly two years.
Russian President Vladimir Putin with French President Emmanuel Macron | AP Image
In their first phone conversation in nearly two years, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. The two-hour call marked the first direct contact between the leaders since September 2022. Emmanuel Macron “emphasised France’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," and called for “the establishment, as soon as possible, of a ceasefire and the launch of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for a solid and lasting settlement of the conflict," his office said.
Vladimir Putin Blames West, Insists On ‘New Territorial Realities’
According to Kremlin, Vladimir Putin rejected Western criticism and insisted that the Ukraine war was the “direct consequence of the policy of Western states." He also stressed that any peace deal must be “comprehensive and long-term" and should recognize the “new territorial realities". Vladimir Putin reiterated long-standing Russian claims that the West had ignored Moscow’s security concerns and built an “anti-Russian bridgehead" in Ukraine.
Emmanuel Macron Presses Iran Issue
During the call, Emmanuel Macron raised concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, urging full compliance with the UN’s Non-Proliferation Treaty and cooperation with the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The French president expressed his “determination" to pursue a diplomatic resolution that would address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, missile programs, and regional activities. The Kremlin said Vladimir Putin supported Iran’s “right to develop a peaceful nuclear program."
Diplomatic Channels Reopen
The conversation signals a potential reopening of diplomatic channels between Paris and Moscow. Emmanuel Macron had previously made numerous attempts to dissuade Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine in 2022, including traveling to Moscow for face-to-face talks.
France’s last official high-level communication with Russia occurred in April 2024, when then-Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu met his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Location :Moscow, Russia
First Published:News world Ukraine Ceasefire, Iran Nuclear Deal Dominate Macron-Putin's First Call Since 2022
