Putin and Macron Hold Phone Conversation After Long Hiatus

After a significant break, French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin have engaged in a phone conversation. The leaders of the states discussed in detail the situation in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel confrontation and the context of American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. This information was reported by the Kremlin's press service.

Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron emphasized the special responsibility of Russia and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, in maintaining peace and security, including in the Middle East, as well as upholding the global non-proliferation regime concerning nuclear weapons.

In this regard, they highlighted the importance of respecting Tehran's legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy and continuing commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, including cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The leaders advocated for resolving the crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear program and addressing other existing conflicts in the Middle East exclusively through political and diplomatic means. They agreed to continue their communications to potentially harmonize their positions.

Discussing the situation surrounding Ukraine, Vladimir Putin reminded that the Ukrainian conflict is a direct consequence of the policies of Western states, which have long ignored Russia's security interests, created an anti-Russian bridge in Ukraine, tolerated violations of the rights of Russian-speaking residents, and are now pursuing a policy of prolonging military operations by supplying various modern weapons to the Kyiv regime.

Speaking about the prospects for a peaceful resolution, the Russian president confirmed the fundamental approaches that any potential agreements must encompass; they should be comprehensive and long-term, address the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, and be based on new territorial realities. The conversation between Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron was substantive.