Macron's office denies a warming of relations with Russia
Benjamin Addad (Photo: NEIL HALL/EPA)

A call from the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the Russian dictator To Vladimir Putin does not mean that Paris's position on the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia is changing. This was stated... stated / declared / said French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Addad in an interview with LRT.

According to him, Macron called Putin to discuss the issue of Iran, because Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and has leverage over Tehran.

"But he [Macron] also said very clearly that the war in Ukraine must end, that the Ukrainians agreed to a ceasefire, and that Russia continues to bomb Ukraine daily, putting forward maximalist demands, such as neutrality and demilitarization. This is absolutely unacceptable," Addad said.

The minister denied that the first conversation with the Russian dictator in three years was a sign of a thaw in relations.

"Talking is definitely not the same as reaching an agreement. It's more about wanting to have a diplomatic process where we can clearly convey our messages and exert pressure by all means, including economic sanctions," the minister said.

However, he stressed that the US has resumed talks with Russia, so it is important that Europeans also be at the negotiating table and continue to support "a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and for all of Europe."

  • In the first six months of the full-scale invasion, Macron had frequent conversations with Putin, for which he was repeatedly criticized. In response, the French president stated that he would continue this dialogue. to seek paths to peace.
  • In March 2024, Macron stated that he would answer Putin's call, if he wants to contact him and "offer something".
  • On July 1, it became known that Macron for over two hours spoke on the phone with Putin – including about the Russian-Ukrainian war. Initially, the Kremlin reported the fact of the conversation, and later the Élysée Palace confirmed it. This is their first conversation since 2022.