Macron Urges European Leaders to Pursue Direct Talks with Russia

A Call for Dialogue with Russia

According to Главком: French President Emmanuel Macron has urged European leaders to actively participate in efforts to establish direct contacts with Russia. In his address, he confirmed that technical negotiations at the expert level are ongoing. As part of these efforts, Macron's diplomatic advisor, Emmanuel Bonne, visited Moscow for talks with Russian officials.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that Moscow maintains closed-door contacts with certain European leaders concerning ending the war against Ukraine. Macron previously noted last December that European countries should return to direct contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Need for a Structured Dialogue

The French President emphasized the importance of a structured European discussion with Russia, noting that Europe's geographical position will not change, regardless of one's attitude toward Russia.

“Our geographical position will not change, whether we like Russia or not, Russia will still be there tomorrow... Therefore, it is important that we structure the rebuilding of a European discussion with the Russians, without naivety, without pressuring the Ukrainians, but also without depending in this discussion on third parties,” Macron said.

He also pointed out that some countries believe it would be premature to send their diplomatic advisors to Russia. “For some, it was too early to send their diplomatic advisors, as we did,” the French president stressed. Macron underscored that any peace achieved will also concern Europe, and he questioned whether Europeans want American envoys to negotiate Ukraine's accession to the European Union on their behalf.

Thus, Macron's call indicates a desire to establish a more active dialogue between Europe and Russia against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This push for engagement comes at a time when Western unity on Russia policy is being tested. Macron's approach may be met with mixed reactions, as some European countries consider contacts with Russia to be premature, highlighting the diverse views on security and diplomacy within the European Union during the current crisis.