Macron calls phone call with President Putin 'important' for France

According to RIA Novosti, French President Emmanuel Macron on the BFMTV program mentioned the importance of talking with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"I called him first to discuss the Iran issue and the need to preserve the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He expressed his willingness to support. It is very important to have this agreement, because France also has a responsibility to ensure stability," President Macron said.

According to Mr. Macron, the leaders also touched on the topic of the Ukraine conflict during the conversation.

"As for Ukraine, we share our differences. And I cannot say that there has been progress in the discussions, because first of all it is necessary to cease fire and resume negotiations," the French president said.

Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron held their first phone conversation in nearly three years on July 1, discussing the situation around Ukraine, the Iran-Israel confrontation and US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. The leaders agreed to continue contact to coordinate efforts to resolve the situation in the Middle East.

RBC-Ukraine reported, citing a source, that after speaking with Putin, Macron called Ukrainian President Zelensky. According to Bloomberg, the French leader informed Zelensky about the Russian president's firm stance.