French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their first phone call since 2022 on July 1, addressing Russia’s war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. The conversation, which lasted over two hours, focused on Moscow’s position that the conflict is a direct result of Western policies, including the establishment of an anti-Russian bridgehead in Ukraine. Macron reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks. Despite France’s diplomatic efforts, Putin reiterated his refusal to end the war, maintaining the status quo. Both leaders also touched upon the Iranian-Israeli conflict and the recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, highlighting the complex interplay of geopolitical alliances in the region. The call underscores the lack of progress toward a resolution and the persistent challenges in brokering peace.
The call between Macron and Putin took place amid ongoing Russian military advances in eastern Ukraine, where the Russian army is attempting to gain a foothold in Sumy Oblast and move into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. These developments have further complicated the already fractured ceasefire negotiations, with Moscow continuing to reject U.S.-backed proposals for a ceasefire. The stalled peace talks reflect the deepening divisions between Ukraine and Russia, with neither side willing to concede ground. In the wake of the call, Macron also reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the details of his conversation with Putin, a source in the President’s Office confirmed. The call with Zelensky was described as constructive, though it did not yield significant changes in the situation. Putin’s position remains firm: he has no intention of ending the war in Ukraine, which continues to place immense pressure on Ukraine’s military and civilian population.
While the discussion between Macron and Putin focused primarily on Ukraine, the Middle East was also a key topic. The leaders spoke about the ongoing Iranian-Israeli conflict and the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which have further destabilized the region. The recent Israeli attacks on Iran and the subsequent ceasefire have shifted the balance of power in favor of Israel, raising concerns about the future of Russian-Iranian relations. Despite Moscow’s efforts to maintain its alliance with Tehran, the escalating tensions could force a reassessment of strategic priorities. This situation highlights the broader challenges faced by Russia in maintaining its influence in the Middle East while dealing with internal pressures from the war in Ukraine. The French president’s engagement with both leaders underscores France’s role as a mediator in these complex geopolitical dynamics, though the outcomes remain uncertain.