Portrait of Emmanuel Macron
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Emmanuel Macron on Vladimir Putin

Dialogue seeker turned critic (strong)

Emmanuel Macron's view of Vladimir Putin has evolved from seeking strategic dialogue and maintaining communication to becoming a vocal critic following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Initially, Macron pursued engagement to establish a new European security architecture, but the full-scale invasion led him to condemn Putin’s actions as imperialistic and dishonest regarding peace efforts.

While maintaining a line of communication, particularly regarding global crises like the one in the Middle East, Macron now strongly advocates for continued and robust military support for Ukraine to defend itself. His current stance is characterized by frustration with Putin's perceived unwillingness to negotiate honestly, contrasting sharply with his earlier efforts to understand the Russian leader's mindset.

Context

Emmanuel Macron, as President of France, holds a significant role in shaping the European Union's foreign policy and defense posture, making his relationship with Vladimir Putin a critical aspect of international security.

Macron's stated pre-2022 goal was to pursue a policy of European strategic autonomy, which included the idea of rebuilding confidence and establishing a new security architecture with Russia.

This strategy involved direct engagement with Putin, as demonstrated by high-level meetings, which some observers viewed as Macron attempting to assert greater French/European influence.

Timeline

  1. Following a meeting with Putin at the Palace of Versailles, Macron expressed a desire to reinforce partnership and work together on issues like the fight against terrorism in Syria, while also setting a clear red line against the use of chemical weapons.
  2. Prior to the invasion, Macron had emphasized the need to reopen a strategic dialogue with Russia as part of building European military sovereignty.
  3. Days before the full-scale invasion, Macron met with Putin in Moscow in a bid to de-escalate tensions, with Putin describing the meeting as useful but reiterating demands regarding NATO expansion.
  4. Following the invasion, Macron was among the few leaders to maintain direct communication with Putin, speaking to him multiple times in the first week to press for a halt to the attacks.
  5. The last reported call between Macron and Putin in 2022 focused on the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and Black Sea grain shipments.
  6. Macron stated that Putin's actions, like the attack on energy infrastructure, showed he was not interested in peace and confirmed the need for continued military aid to Ukraine.
  7. Macron urged Putin to "stop lying" about seeking peace while continuing to bomb Ukraine, emphasizing that an unconditional ceasefire was the only answer awaited.
  8. In their first call since 2022, Macron and Putin discussed the Middle East and Ukraine, with Macron stressing the responsibility of UNSC members for peace and Putin reiterating grievances against the West.

Actions Taken

  1. Diplomacy meeting
    Met Vladimir Putin at the Palace of Versailles to discuss Syria and establish a framework for continuing dialogue.
  2. High Level negotiation
    Held a meeting in Moscow with Putin in a final diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions just before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
  3. Direct communication during conflict
    Spoke directly with Putin following the invasion to ask him to stop attacks and discuss humanitarian corridors, maintaining contact when other Western leaders had ceased direct communication.
  4. Public condemnation
    Urged Putin to "stop lying" about seeking peace while continuing military operations in Ukraine.
  5. Diplomatic call
    Held a direct phone call with Putin to discuss the Middle East and the Ukraine situation, agreeing to future contacts.

Key Quotes

The only thing to do is for President Putin to finally stop lying.

Visit to Madagascar April 24, 2025 — Stating the necessary action for **Putin** regarding **Ukraine** peace talks.

I have reminded President Putin of what our priorities were and I think we can work together on that uh path.

Joint Press Conference May 29, 2017 — Following his first meeting with **Putin** at **Versailles**.

From more than five hours of conversation, we realized how different Putin is today compared to three years ago.

Source close to the French president after Moscow meeting February 11, 2022 — Describing **Putin** after the pre-invasion meeting in Moscow.

Related Positions

  • Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Macron has become a strong advocate for military aid to Ukraine and has characterized Russia's actions as "imperialism and colonialism."
  • European Strategic Autonomy The pursuit of this autonomy previously involved building a security architecture that included dialogue with Russia under Putin.