Overview

• Emmanuel Macron spoke with Vladimir Putin on July 1 in the first direct Franco-Russian call since September 2022 to discuss an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.
• Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, while Putin insisted any peace deal must be global, long-term and reflect new territorial realities.
• The leaders agreed to coordinate diplomatic efforts on Iran’s nuclear program and plan further follow-up discussions.
• The United States announced a pause on delivering certain air-defense, precision munitions to Kyiv over concerns about US ammunition stocks, prompting Kyiv to seek clarification and sustained support.
• Russia intensified its June offensive with a record 5,438 long-range attack drones and fierce ground assaults near Pokrovsk, and Ukrainian intelligence reports that North Korea may deploy an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops.