Overview

• Macron and Putin resumed direct high-level contact with a two-hour phone call, marking their first conversation since September 2022.
• Macron urged Russia to implement an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and to commence negotiations for a durable settlement.
• Putin argued that Western policies triggered the Ukraine war and insisted any peace deal be long-term and respect new territorial realities.
• The two presidents agreed to reconvene promptly to align bilateral efforts on advancing Ukraine ceasefire discussions.
• They also pledged joint diplomatic follow-up on Iran’s nuclear program under NPT obligations and stressed resolving Middle Eastern conflicts exclusively by diplomacy.