Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron held their first known phone call since 2022.

“Vladimir Putin held a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

This is the first such conversation between the two leaders since September 2022, several months after Russia launched its full-scale offensive in Ukraine.

Macron called on Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine “as soon as possible,” the Elysée Palace said.

Macron “emphasized France's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity” and “called for a ceasefire as soon as possible and the start of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for a solid and lasting settlement of the conflict,” the Elysée Palace said.

In his conversation with his French counterpart, the Russian leader noted that the Ukrainian conflict is a direct consequence of the policies of Western countries.

“Putin reminded that the Ukrainian conflict is a direct consequence of the policies of Western countries, which for many years have ignored Russia's security interests, created an anti-Russian foothold in Ukraine, and allowed themselves to violate the rights of Russian-speaking residents,” the Kremlin said.

The Russian head of state pointed out that Western countries “are pursuing a policy of prolonging military action, supplying the Kiev regime with various modern weapons.”

He also stressed that the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine must be comprehensive, eliminate the root causes, and be based on the realities on the ground.

Putin “confirmed the fundamental approaches to possible agreements, which must be comprehensive and long-term, provide for the elimination of the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, and be based on new territorial realities.”

Regarding Iran, “the two presidents decided to coordinate their efforts and hold talks soon to take joint follow-up action on this issue,” the French presidency added. | BGNES