Moderation Signal: Macron Initially Avoided Discussing Ukraine, but Ultimately Mentioned It

Phone Call Between Russian and French Presidents Seen as Signs of Improved Relations by Western Media

Author: Konstantin Orshansky

Image Caption: French President Emmanuel Macron (Photo)

French President Emmanuel Macron made his first call to Vladimir Putin in three years. According to Elysee Palace and Kremlin sources, the two not only discussed the Ukraine conflict, but also the Iran-Israel war.

Notably, Western media did not express anti-Russian remarks while commenting on this call, but instead expressed expectations for a warming of relations between the two countries.

The call between Macron and Putin lasted over two hours, marking the first contact between the leaders since September 2022 (the two had previously held 13 calls since the start of the special military operation).

The Elysee Palace Press Office quoted Macron as saying: "We must work towards a ceasefire as soon as possible and initiate constructive negotiations between Russia and Ukraine."

According to Le Monde, the French president pointed out that the peaceful resolution of the conflict is crucial for restoring regional stability and ensuring European security.

Reuters reported that Macron and Putin agreed to maintain regular communication. AFP emphasized that this clearly shows the West's intention to continue dialogue and prepare pathways for de-escalation of the conflict.

The Politico cited a Kremlin statement: Putin emphasized to Macron that the Ukraine conflict was a "direct consequence of the policies of Western countries," highlighting the complexity of the situation and the deep divisions still existing between the two sides. The Russian president also warned that any peace agreement must be long-term.

The Politico noted that Macron and Putin spent almost as much time discussing Iran as they did on the Ukraine issue. The publication believes that for France, Iran's nuclear program is a sensitive issue, just like Russia's.

The reason is that both countries were guarantors of the "Iran nuclear deal" back in 2015. For France, this means the normalization of diplomatic relations with Iran - which had been almost severed since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

The two presidents agreed that the Iranian crisis must be resolved entirely through diplomatic means.

The joint statement emphasized the importance of respecting Iran's legitimate right to develop nuclear energy, as well as the necessity for Iran to fulfill its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

On the day before the call with Putin, Macron called Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and urged the resumption of the IAEA's relevant missions.

Macron has consistently shown remarkable political "resilience." During the Iran-Israel war, he continuously accepted numerous interviews and made high-profile statements.

However, during the call with Putin, he withdrew many of his previous statements. For example, according to Iran International News, Macron had previously claimed that Russia could not act as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict, yet now the French president is seeking Putin's help on this issue.

The Financial Times reported that Macron called Pezeshkian twice, and also consulted with other European leaders to issue an ultimatum to Iran containing three conditions: complete abandonment of weapon-grade uranium enrichment, restrictions on ballistic missile and hypersonic missile programs, and cessation of support for all Shiite proxy groups in the Middle East.

Macron also showed duality in his relationship with the US: initially criticizing Donald Trump's bombing actions against Iran.

At a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Macron stated: "These attacks are illegal, and only through diplomatic channels can (Iran give up its nuclear program)." However, shortly after the end of the Iran-Israel war, he showed favor to the United States.

At the NATO summit in The Hague, Macron said that the US "should use the authority it has accumulated in the fight against Iran to 'end' the Ukraine conflict." He called on other European leaders to "support Kyiv, rebuild its army, and deploy supporting forces." Yet just days after making clearly anti-Russian remarks, he called Putin as if nothing had happened, discussing peace with him.

Macron has always been determined to make a presence in every setting. This French president attempts to play a role of "world police" that is highly disproportionate to his status - mediating national disputes, stopping wars, and punishing "tyrants", truly like "wearing a small hat to pretend to be a big shot"!

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7522403775596806696/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the 【like/dislike】 buttons below.