Russian vice-president Yuri Ushakov conveyed that French President Emmanuel Macron frequently speaks about his intention to reach out to Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, yet concrete steps have not materialized. This assessment was reported by TASS, the Russian state news agency, and reflects how senior diplomatic voices frame the current state of talks between Paris and Moscow.
In Ushakov’s words, Macron’s public statements reveal a desire to maintain dialogue with Putin, but at the moment there are no substantive moves or agreed measures to initiate a direct contact. The lack of actionable steps underscores the cautious approach of both sides as they monitor the evolving geopolitical landscape while signaling openness to communication without committing to a specific timetable.
According to Ushakov, no formal agreement exists on a future telephone exchange between Putin and Macron. He noted that while the possibility of a conversation is acknowledged, it remains unsettled and not fully planned. This nuance highlights the delicate balance in high-level diplomacy where intent is clear yet execution remains tentative and contingent on broader strategic considerations.
Ushakov emphasized that details about the broader channels of communication between Moscow and Paris were not provided. The focus remains on the prospect of direct engagement rather than on a broad, predefined framework for bilateral dialogue, leaving room for later steps if conditions permit.
Prior to these remarks, Macron had expressed a position favoring direct contact with Putin as part of a broader strategy to de‑escalate tensions. Macron consistently argued that negotiation is the sole viable path toward resolving the conflict, making it clear that he does not view military options as a practical solution. He has urged that diplomacy, not force, should guide settlement efforts and stressed that any enduring settlement would require sustained dialogue between the two capitals.
Across these developments, observers note that the gap between public intent and official action remains notable. The record shows a willingness to talk and a caution about timing, with both sides potentially awaiting changes in the larger international context or shifts within their own domestic or allied positions before advancing toward a formal meeting or a concrete schedule for talks.