Macron, Putin resume rare dialogue after nearly three years Sparking hope for diplomacy on Ukraine, Iran

On July 1, French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their first phone conversation since September 11, 2022, marking a rare direct contact between the two leaders amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising international tensions.

Macron had previously been one of the few Western leaders maintaining communication with Putin despite criticism from other Western governments. However, the repeated atrocities committed by Russian forces in Ukraine had cast doubt on the effectiveness of diplomatic engagement.

According to a close source, quoted by Le Parisien, “the lines of communication had never actually been completely cut.”

The renewed call reflects the growing diplomatic challenges as the war in Ukraine has stalled and diplomatic efforts have diminished. Additionally, Donald Trump’s return to the White House has seen increased direct engagement with Putin, sidelining European leaders in the process.

Macron, now a strong supporter of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had indicated in recent months his willingness to resume dialogue with Putin if it could help move negotiations forward. Both leaders reportedly saw value in restoring direct contact.

The call, which lasted over two hours according to the French presidency, focused primarily on the conflict in Ukraine and the escalating issue of Iran’s nuclear program—a subject of concern given Russia’s close ties with the Iranian regime. The timing of the call followed Macron’s recent meetings with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors nuclear activities, and a discussion with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Following the conversation, both France and Russia—both nuclear powers—stressed the importance of diplomatic coordination to resolve the nuclear issue. Macron emphasised the need for “a durable and demanding resolution” of Iran’s nuclear program, as well as addressing “the issue of Iran’s missiles.”

Iran has developed advanced long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching parts of French territory, a topic reportedly sidelined in previous US-Iran negotiations in Oman that focused mainly on uranium enrichment.

Putin defended Iran’s “right” to pursue a civilian nuclear program and highlighted the “strategic partnership” between Moscow and Tehran. However, he did not speak for Iran, nor did he offer protection against recent Israeli and US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. Analysts suggest Putin’s focus remains primarily on Ukraine, where Iranian-made suicide drones are reportedly aiding Russian forces.

The call also signalled a desire by European powers—particularly Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—to reclaim influence over the Iran nuclear dossier, as Iran shows reluctance to reengage with the US. French experts assess that recent strikes have “severely damaged” Iranian nuclear facilities.

On Ukraine, Macron reiterated France’s “unwavering support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and called for a ceasefire “as soon as possible.” Putin, meanwhile, demanded a “comprehensive” peace agreement that addresses the “root causes” of the crisis and insisted on recognition of “new territorial realities,” referring to Russia’s control over Donbass and Crimea—a position firmly rejected by Ukraine.

Despite their widely divergent views, the two leaders agreed to continue their dialogue on the conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova