Putin and Macron Hold First Call in Three Years, Discuss Ukraine War and Middle East Tensions

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call on Tuesday, marking their first publicly announced conversation since September 2022, according to a statement released by the Kremlin.

The rare diplomatic exchange comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions, with both leaders addressing not only the ongoing war in Ukraine but also the volatile situation in the Middle East, including the confrontation between Iran and Israel.

Putin Holds West Responsible for Ukraine Conflict

According to the Kremlin’s readout of the call, President Putin accused the West of fueling the war in Ukraine by turning the country into what he described as a “platform hostile to Russia.” He claimed that such actions were responsible for the protracted nature of the conflict, which has raged since Russia’s large-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Putin stressed to Macron that any potential peace settlement must be “long-term,” suggesting that Russia seeks security guarantees as part of a future agreement.

Macron Urges Ceasefire and Diplomatic Talks

The French presidency, in its own statement, confirmed the two-hour conversation and revealed that President Macron urged Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine “as soon as possible.” He reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for “Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and called for the immediate launch of negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow to achieve a “durable and robust resolution” to the conflict.

The call is the first known direct communication between the two leaders in nearly three years, underscoring a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics surrounding the war in Ukraine.

Middle East: Nuclear Tensions and Calls for Diplomacy

Beyond the war in Europe, the two presidents also discussed in detail the rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing confrontation between Iran and Israel and recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

According to the Kremlin, Putin emphasized Iran’s “right” to pursue a peaceful nuclear program and insisted that Middle East disputes must be resolved through diplomatic means.

For his part, Macron underscored the importance of Iran complying with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), particularly its full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Future Engagements Planned

Macron’s office noted that the two leaders agreed to coordinate further and committed to speaking again soon to follow up on both the Ukraine and Middle East files.

The resumption of direct communication between Moscow and Paris signals a cautious attempt to re-engage at the highest levels despite deep divisions, with both leaders exploring diplomatic openings amid persistent global crises.