Putin, Macron discuss Iran, Ukraine crisis in first call since 2022
3 Min Read
In their first phone call since 2022, Putin and Macron address the aggression on Iran and the Ukraine crisis, calling for diplomatic solutions.
-
This combination of files pictures created on July 1, 2025, shows Russia's President Vladimir Putin giving a speech at the plenary session during the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg on June 20, 2025, and France's President Emmanuel Macron delivering an address during a reception for members of the French community at the International French School (IFS) in Singapore on May 30, 2025 (AFP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held a "substantive" phone conversation on Tuesday, marking their first direct contact since 2022, the Kremlin confirmed in a statement.
The leaders addressed escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the latest Israeli war on Iran and recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, as well as the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, according to the statement.
Putin, Macron discuss Israeli war, US strikes on Iran
The Kremlin said the two presidents discussed "in detail the situation in the Middle East in the context of the Iran-Israel confrontation and the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities."
Putin and Macron agreed to maintain communication to coordinate their countries’ respective positions regarding regional developments, the statement noted.
"The leaders called for the resolution of the crisis over the Iranian nuclear program, as well as the resolution of other contradictions in the Middle East, to be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means," the Kremlin added.
Putin, Macron stress importance of respecting Iran's peaceful nuclear program
The statement highlighted that both leaders underscored the importance of respecting Iran’s legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy.
Putin and Macron also stressed the need for Tehran to fulfill its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation regime and to continue cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Kremlin added that both Russia and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, bear special responsibility in upholding peace, security, and the global nonproliferation framework.
Ukraine crisis dominates second half of talks
The Ukraine conflict was also a key topic in the conversation. Putin reiterated that the ongoing war "is a direct consequence of the policies of Western states that for many years have ignored Russia's security interests, created an anti-Russian foothold in Ukraine, condoned violations of the rights of Russian-speaking citizens, and are now pursuing a policy of prolonging hostilities by feeding the Kiev regime with various modern weapons."
He reaffirmed Russia’s principled stance on potential peace agreements, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and long-term settlement that addresses the root causes of the conflict and reflects the “new territorial realities” on the ground.
Macron urges Ukraine ceasefire, vows continued dialogue
According to the Elysee Palace, Macron urged Putin to support an early ceasefire in Ukraine and expressed his intention to continue engaging in dialogue.
The French president also emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving both the Ukraine war and broader international tensions.
Read more: Macron warns regime change in Iran could sow 'chaos' in region
