Putin, Macron talk about Ukraine, Iran

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone on Tuesday for the first time in nearly three years, focusing on the Ukraine conflict and Iran’s nuclear program, according to a Kremlin statement.

During their conversation, the leaders discussed the current situation in the Middle East, particularly the tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Both Putin and Macron highlighted their nations' roles as permanent members of the UN Security Council and their responsibility to uphold global peace, security, and the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

They emphasized the importance of respecting Iran’s legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy, provided it continues to meet its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and cooperates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Both leaders agreed that resolving the crisis over Iran’s nuclear activities and other disputes in the region should be achieved solely through diplomatic and political efforts. They pledged to maintain communication to coordinate their positions if necessary.

Regarding Ukraine, Putin reiterated Russia’s position that the conflict stemmed from long-standing Western policies that ignored Moscow’s security concerns, fostered anti-Russian sentiment within Ukraine, and supported actions against Russian-speaking citizens. He also criticized the continued supply of Western arms to Kiev, arguing it only prolonged the war.

Putin reaffirmed that any peace deal must be comprehensive and lasting, address the root causes of the crisis, and reflect the current territorial realities on the ground.

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