French President Emmanuel Macron plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before engaging in a phone discussion with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. This plan was shared in an interview with a Paris-based publication, where Macron outlined his approach to the evolving crisis and the steps he intends to take. The interview signals a deliberate sequence: first consult with Kyiv, then coordinate with Washington, and only then move toward broader conversations with Moscow. This cadence reflects Macron’s broader strategy of aligning Western partners and ensuring that any dialogue with Russia is grounded in clear conditions and shared aims.
Macron emphasized that he sought a chance to discuss every facet of the situation in detail with President Biden before any direct conversation with Putin. He also noted that he anticipated a meeting with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a dialogue he planned to continue on the upcoming Sunday. In Macron’s view, ongoing consultations with Kyiv remain a priority, and his stated preference is to confer with Zelensky prior to engaging Moscow, underscoring the importance he places on Ukrainian perspectives in shaping Western responses.
Earlier, in an interview broadcast by TF1, Macron argued that Paris and Washington should work toward structured dialogue channels between Moscow and Kyiv. The aim, he indicated, is to create a framework that facilitates dialogue while preserving the integrity of Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security. The idea is to prepare both sides for meaningful interaction, supported by allied commitments and verified benchmarks that can guide progress on the ground.
In Washington, before a joint press conference with President Joe Biden, Macron reiterated his intention to keep lines of communication with Putin open as part of a broader effort to achieve a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The outreach is described as persistent diplomacy, combining direct outreach with coordinated actions among Western partners to encourage de-escalation and a commitment to a peaceful, negotiated settlement that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin’s schedule at that time did not include a phone call with Macron, reflecting the ongoing friction and the alternating tempo of high-level diplomacy. The situation illustrates how the diplomatic calendar can fluctuate in response to strategic priorities, security concerns, and the need for synchronized messaging among allies. The exchanges show a careful balance between dialogue and pressure as the international community seeks a path toward stability in the region.