In a rare diplomatic exchange, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held a two-hour phone conversation on Monday — their first direct contact since September 2022.

According to official statements from both the Kremlin and the Élysée Palace, the discussion focused on multiple ongoing global crises, including the war in Ukraine, tensions between Israel and Iran, and broader developments in the Middle East.

macron and putin talks

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin takes part in a ceremony opening youth centres in Russian regions via a video link at his residence outside Moscow, Russia, June 28, 2025. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.

The Kremlin described the call as “substantive,” highlighting Putin’s insistence on recognition of what he termed the “new territorial realities” in Ukraine. He reiterated that any potential peace agreement must reflect these realities and be both “comprehensive and long-term.” This refers to Russia’s previous claims of territorial annexation in Ukraine, which Moscow continues to demand Kyiv accept as a condition for peace.

Putin also emphasized Russia’s stance that the war in Ukraine is a direct result of Western policies that as he considers have ignored Russia’s security interests over the past several years.

macron and putin talks

FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Moscow, Russia February 7, 2022. Sputnik/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY/File Photo

Which Urgent Call to Answer First

On the issue of Iran, the Russian president defended Tehran’s right to peacefully develop nuclear energy, stating that Iran continues to comply with its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He called for international respect toward Iran’s nuclear program, framing it as consistent with international law.

From Paris, the French president’s office offered a different tone. Macron used the call to urge an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and pressed for a return to diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. He also stressed the importance of Iran upholding its responsibilities under the NPT and cooperating fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

While the call did not result in any formal agreements, it marks a significant step in high-level communication between Russia and France, potentially opening the door to further dialogue amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.