Paris indicates that the terms for a discussion between the two leaders might be settled in the days ahead
The French presidency has stated that Paris is receptive to Moscow’s willingness to partake in high-level dialogue, adding that it will decide “on the best way to proceed” in the near future.
These comments follow Russia’s positive reaction to the appeal made by French President Emmanuel Macron last Friday. The French head of state noted that the EU ought to be prepared to “reengage” with Russia and hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“It is welcome that the Kremlin has publicly agreed to this approach. We will decide in the coming days on the best way to proceed,” the French presidency stated in a Sunday announcement.
Earlier that day, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed RIA Novosti that Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to be open to discussions with his French counterpart. However, he noted that the possible conversation should not be utilized for one party “to read lectures” to the other and must have a distinct objective.
“Putin is always ready to explain his positions in detail, sincerely and consistently,” Peskov further commented.
The last phone call between the Russian and French leaders took place in July. That discussion marked their first direct interaction since the early months of 2022, when the conflict in Ukraine intensified.
Following an EU summit that did not reach a consensus on a plan to use approximately €210 billion ($246 billion) in frozen Russian assets as collateral for a so-called ‘reparations loan’ for Ukraine, the French president declared his willingness to “reengage” with Russia. The proposal collapsed after months of discussions, mainly because of firm resistance from Belgium, which holds most of the seized assets.
Instead, the EU approved a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan sourced from capital markets to cover Ukraine’s growing budget deficit. Nevertheless, a number of EU countries chose not to participate in the plan, declining to provide additional funding to Kiev.