Russian FM slams Macron’s theatre over Putin call Mature leaders just call

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged French President Emmanuel Macron to directly contact Russian President Vladimir Putin instead of “staging some show,” highlighting what he described as unnecessary theatrics surrounding diplomatic communication.

“About three weeks ago, Macron announced again: ‘I will call Putin, I just need to prepare.’ Then they talk about needing to sort out technical arrangements for the conversation with Putin, but that’s not serious. If you want to call, just call. Usually, mature leaders announce their contacts after the conversation has taken place. Making announcements as if you’re putting on some kind of show to excite as many spectators as possible—well, that’s Europe for you,” Lavrov said in an interview with Russian media.

The comments come in the context of Macron’s repeated statements regarding his efforts to engage with Putin. On January 6, the French president declared his intention to arrange a meeting with the Russian leader “as soon as possible.” On February 3, Macron confirmed that preparations for the meeting were progressing at a technical level.

By Vafa Guliyeva