Overview
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed Emmanuel Macron’s stated plan to speak with Vladimir Putin as “pathetic diplomacy” in an interview published Feb. 5.
- Lane-opening comments from Lavrov stressed that Putin would take a direct call and give a concrete response to proposals he considers serious.
- Reuters reported that Macron’s adviser Emmanuel Bonne made a discreet trip to Moscow focused on reestablishing dialogue centered on Ukraine, and French officials declined to comment.
- Macron said on Feb. 3 that preparatory work was underway to resume Europe‑Russia talks, reflecting France’s push to restore a channel after years of limited contact.
- U.S.-led engagement under President Donald Trump has not yielded tangible results, and several European leaders have urged appointing an EU envoy to secure a distinct European role in any talks.