Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held their first direct conversation since 2022 on Tuesday, focusing on escalating Middle East tensions and the protracted Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin described the exchange as "substantive," highlighting rare diplomatic engagement between Moscow and a key Western power.
Middle East Nuclear Diplomacy in Focus
Both leaders emphasized Iran\u2019s right to peaceful nuclear energy development while urging full compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The discussion underscored support for continued International Atomic Energy Agency oversight and diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts, reflecting shared concerns about Middle East stability.
Ukraine: Diverging Perspectives
Putin reiterated Moscow\u2019s stance that Western military support for Ukraine prolongs hostilities, calling for solutions addressing "root causes" and "new territorial realities." While no breakthrough emerged, the dialogue marks a tentative step in maintaining communication channels amid Europe\u2019s most significant security crisis in decades.
The call comes as global attention intensifies on both conflict zones, with business leaders monitoring energy market implications and policymakers weighing diplomatic next steps.
