The leaders of Russia and France, Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron, engaged in a thorough and forthright discussion focused on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the precarious situation at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian control amid the broader conflict. The dialogue underscored the gravity of the developing security environment and the need for clear communication between Moscow and Paris as they navigate a complex wartime landscape and the international responses involved.
During the exchange, both heads of state openly shared assessments of the Ukraine situation and exchanged perspectives on ensuring the safety and stability of the Zaporizhia facility. The Kremlin circulated a statement to Interfax and other outlets highlighting the central concern of protecting a nuclear installation in a volatile theatre, with emphasis on maintaining reliable safeguards amid ongoing hostilities and intermittent shelling near critical infrastructure.
Putin pointed to recurrent Ukrainian strikes aimed at various nuclear-related sites, including storage areas for radioactive waste, warning that such attacks could trigger catastrophic consequences if violence escalates or spreads. The emphasis was on preventing any escalation that could threaten populations and the environment, with Moscow stressing the role of technical experts in preserving safe conditions at the plant while urging Kyiv to halt attacks immediately.
Both leaders acknowledged the value of nonpolitical channels for dialogue regarding the plant’s status, and they agreed on the importance of engaging international oversight bodies to monitor developments. The IAEA was highlighted as a key mechanism to provide independent assessments and guidance on site safety, risk mitigation, and transparency of operations at Zaporizhia, alongside ongoing discussions at multiple administrative levels to sustain the deconfliction efforts.
In the course of the conversation, Putin critiqued what he described as persistent bombardment of civilian infrastructure in Donbas, asserting that such attacks were carried out with weapons supplied by Western actors. He framed the issue within the broader context of humanitarian impact and regional stability, urging restraint and adherence to international norms to protect civilian life and essential services.
The Elysee Palace released its account of the meeting, noting that Macron condemned Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and called for an immediate halt to hostilities to enable negotiations aimed at restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The French position stressed that dialogue must pave the way for a durable settlement and the restoration of peace in the region, with a clear commitment to diplomatic engagement and international law.
Regarding the Zaporizhia plant, Macron urged Moscow to remove both heavy and light weaponry from the facility and to implement the IAEA recommendations to ensure site safety and environmental protection. The stance reflected France’s insistence on verifiable compliance and international oversight to prevent any accidental or deliberate release of radioactive material during the conflict.
On the economic front, Putin defended the necessity of maintaining food exports from Black Sea ports and stressed the vital importance of keeping Russian agricultural supplies accessible to global markets, including Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The Kremlin conveyed that such exports play a crucial role in global food security and in sustaining livelihoods across multiple regions amid ongoing sanctions and trade challenges.
Macron, however, reportedly reminded Putin that European sanctions do not apply to agricultural products or inputs essential for farming. The reminder underscored the nuanced balance that European policy aims to strike between political pressure and the practical needs of international food supply chains, while maintaining a firm stance on broader geopolitical objectives.
The statement from Moscow emphasized that the meeting occurred at the invitation of a French initiative and noted a mutual willingness to continue discussions at various administrative tiers. Both sides expressed an intent to sustain constructive dialogue as the situation evolves, with practical steps toward sustained contact and coordination across diplomatic channels to manage the crisis and protect civilian populations.