Putin and Macron hold first call in nearly three years, discuss Ukraine war and Iran tension

In Paris, Macron’s office said the call lasted two hours. According to the French statement, Macron called for a ceasefire in Ukraine and for negotiations to begin. “The president emphasised France’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement said.

On the situation with Iran, Putin told Macron that Iran has a right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and should be allowed to do so under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Macron, however, said Iran must cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog. He said he was committed to a diplomatic solution that addresses not only the nuclear issue but also Iran’s missiles and its role in the region.

“The president expressed his determination to seek a diplomatic solution that would lead to a lasting and rigorous resolution of the nuclear issue, the question of Iran’s missiles, and its role in the region,” Macron’s office said.

The two leaders agreed to coordinate their efforts. Both France and Russia are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

On Ukraine, the Kremlin repeated its view that the war is the result of what it called “Western policies” that had ignored Russia’s security concerns.

Putin told Macron that any future peace deal must reflect “new territorial realities,” according to the Kremlin. This refers to Russia’s control over parts of Ukrainian territory. Putin has said before that Ukraine must accept Russia’s annexation of these areas as part of any agreement.

Macron has a different view. His office said Ukraine alone should decide whether it accepts any territorial concessions.

Despite their differences, both leaders agreed to keep talking. “The two presidents decided to continue their discussions on Ukraine and Iran,” Macron’s office said.

Macron and Putin had held regular talks early in 2022 around the time Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Macron even visited Moscow that February. But contact between the two leaders had since stopped until now.