Putin, Macron Hold Phone Call on Ukraine, Iran

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Kremlin, marking their first discussion since 2022.

The statement revealed that Putin characterized the ongoing war in Ukraine as a direct result of Western policies, which, for years, had "ignored Russia's security interests" and are now intent on prolonging hostilities. The Russian leader reaffirmed his stance on potential peace agreements, emphasizing that any resolution “should be comprehensive and long-term, provide for the elimination of the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, and be based on new territorial realities.”

Both leaders also addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict and recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The statement highlighted the “special responsibility” that both Russia and France bear as permanent members of the UN Security Council in maintaining global peace and security, as well as safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

"In this regard, the importance of respecting Tehran's legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy and continuing to fulfill its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, including cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), was emphasized," the statement added.

Putin and Macron also expressed strong support for addressing Iran's nuclear program and other Middle Eastern concerns "exclusively by political and diplomatic means." They agreed to continue dialogue on these critical issues. "Vladimir Putin's conversation with Emmanuel Macron was substantive," the Kremlin said.

On the French side, the Presidency echoed similar sentiments, confirming that Macron called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and urged talks between both parties. Macron also reiterated his commitment to securing a diplomatic resolution to Iran's nuclear ambitions.

"He emphasized the urgency for Iran to comply with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), particularly by fully cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), whose inspectors must be allowed to resume their work without delay," the French statement added.

This phone call marks the first contact between Putin and Macron in over two years, with the previous known conversation taking place in September 2022.

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