Putin and Macron Discuss Ukraine and Middle East, Emphasize Diplomacy on Iran

Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation addressing global tensions, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Orda.kz reports.

According to the Kremlin, both leaders discussed the escalation between Iran and Israel, as well as U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. They underscored that Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear energy, provided it adheres to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. 

At the same time, they agreed that the crisis around Tehran’s nuclear program and broader regional tensions must be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic channels.

Touching on the war in Ukraine, Putin described it as a consequence of what he called the West’s long-standing neglect of Russia’s security concerns. He accused Western countries of transforming Ukraine into an “anti-Russian outpost” and prolonging the war by supplying advanced weapons to Kyiv.

The Russian president reiterated that Moscow is open to negotiations — but only if talks reflect what the Kremlin calls “the causes of the conflict and new territorial realities.”

In response, French President Emmanuel Macron urged for an immediate ceasefire and the swift start of peace talks.

The two leaders agreed to continue communication, with another call expected soon, Reuters reports, citing the Élysée Palace.

Meanwhile, The Kyiv Independent reports that Emmanuel Macron also called Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss his conversation with the Russian president, citing a source in the President's Office.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova