A discussion about a potential phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been scheduled, according to statements by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. She addressed the topic in a television interview with the French channel LCI, clarifying the current status of diplomatic outreach.
Colonna noted that while no official meeting is on the calendar yet, the possibility remains open. She emphasized that past conversations between the two leaders have yielded practical benefits, particularly in reducing the chances of nuclear incidents at civilian facilities such as the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The focus, she explained, is on stabilizing the security environment and preventing escalation that could affect civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
There has also been a public statement from Dmitry Peskov, the former spokesperson for the Russian president, indicating that Putin does not intend to engage in a phone conversation with Macron at this time. This position reflects the broader diplomatic stance taken by Moscow in recent months.
Additionally, Kremlin press briefings have conveyed that Putin will not initiate a call with the French leader to mark a personal milestone, underscoring the political calculus guiding high-level outreach during tense periods in the bilateral relationship.
Looking back, French leadership has consistently signaled a willingness to engage in diplomacy with Russia as part of a broader effort to shape security guarantees and regional stability. The emphasis has been on preparing for a future peace process while using interim measures to support Ukraine and manage the risk of broader conflict. The French approach has included practical steps to bolster Ukraine’s security while also seeking assurances that Russia will participate in de‑escalation and restraint, particularly in conflict zones and around critical energy infrastructure.
From Paris’s perspective, credibility rests on the ability of all parties to honor commitments and to create conditions that make negotiations viable when conditions on the ground allow a meaningful dialogue. This involves balancing security guarantees with accountability, clear benchmarks, and a transparent mechanism for monitoring adherence. The goal is not merely to pause fighting but to lay the groundwork for a durable settlement that reduces civilian harm and preserves stability in Europe.
On the nuclear front, observers stress the importance of maintaining strict safety standards at civilian facilities in conflict areas. The ZNPP and similar installations are central to discussions about risk minimization, with a focus on transparent safety protocols, robust emergency responses, and verified communications channels between relevant authorities. These elements are essential to prevent accidental or deliberate actions that could have far-reaching consequences beyond national borders.
The broader diplomatic terrain continues to feature calls for guarantees and security assurances that address the needs of frontline states. France has framed its position as supporting a framework where Ukraine receives reliable security support while all involved parties commit to restraint and dialogue. In parallel, Russia has underscored its own concerns about regional security, regional influence, and the strategic considerations that shape decisions at the highest levels of government. The exchange of guarantees and the pursuit of a durable peace remain central to the ongoing discourse among European powers and their international partners, including allied organizations and neighboring states.
In summary, while a direct Macron-Putin phone call is not imminent, the diplomatic channels remain open for future engagement. The core aim is to reduce the risk of incidents near sensitive installations, to advance apeace roadmap grounded in verifiable commitments, and to ensure that any negotiations address the security concerns and humanitarian needs of affected populations. The situation continues to evolve as governments balance immediate diplomatic leverage with long‑term strategies for stability and reconciliation in the region.