French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a significant phone conversation on July 2, marking their first direct dialogue since 2022.
The discussion centred on Iran’s nuclear programme and the protracted situation in Ukraine, highlighting shared concerns and the importance of diplomacy.
According to the Élysée Palace, Macron emphasised that, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, both France and Russia bear joint responsibility under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
He underlined the urgent need for Iran to comply fully with its obligations, particularly by cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to allow inspectors to resume their work promptly.
Macron reiterated France’s commitment to pursuing a diplomatic route to achieve a durable and stringent resolution regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, as well as its broader role in the Middle East region.
In response, the Kremlin issued a statement affirming that both leaders agreed on respecting Iran’s legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy, provided it continues to adhere to its NPT commitments, including transparent cooperation with the IAEA.
The two presidents agreed to maintain ongoing coordination and further discussions to address the complexities surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.
Focus on Ukraine’s sovereignty & conflict resolution
Turning to Ukraine, the Élysée Palace reported that Macron reaffirmed France’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He called for a swift ceasefire and the commencement of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia aimed at achieving a firm, lasting resolution to the conflict.
From the Kremlin’s perspective, President Putin described the Ukrainian conflict as ‘a direct consequence of Western policies’, accusing these policies of prolonging hostilities by supplying Ukraine with modern weaponry.
Putin emphasised the necessity of comprehensive, long-term solutions that address the root causes of the crisis and take into account ‘new territorial realities’ that have emerged during the conflict.
While their perspectives on the conflict differ, Macron and Putin agreed on the importance of continued dialogue and coordination on both Iran and Ukraine.
The phone call signals a cautious reopening of communication channels between the two leaders amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
This renewed engagement offers a potential pathway to easing international frictions through diplomacy, even as challenges persist in securing a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and ensuring compliance with nuclear non-proliferation norms.
The conversation between Macron and Putin underscores the complex interplay of diplomacy, security, and regional stability, reflecting the critical role both leaders play on the global stage.
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