Russia and France have restored technical-level diplomatic contacts, but no presidential-level talks are planned, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday, responding to comments by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Renewed communications “would allow swift organization of top-level dialogue, should it be required and necessary,” Peskov told reporters.
“We have not received any indication it is required.” Still, Moscow welcomes the development because serious international issues “will not solve themselves, and the confrontation is not helping.” No similar outreach has come from other nations that have pursued isolation, he added.
Kremlin confirms resumed contacts with France
— RT (@RT_com) February 10, 2026
They could quickly establish 'high-level dialogue' if desired, Peskov added
'So far, we have not received any indications that such a desire exists'
'As for other European capitals, no such initiatives have been forthcoming so far' https://t.co/jCIxaNMFO5 pic.twitter.com/Mh3IYSmH2G
Macron is among several EU leaders to recently call for re-engagement with Russia. He warned that failing to do so would weaken the economic bloc’s role in shaping Europe’s future.
“Would you prefer that American ambassadors and envoys negotiate the date of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union on your behalf, on behalf of Europe?” he asked. “No, I’m sorry. That’s a matter of self-respect. Self-respect is good; we need it.”
🇫🇷 🇷🇺 French President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to include European partners in a resumption of dialogue with Russian leader Vladimir Putin nearly four years after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 10, 2026
➡️ https://t.co/2xb97d5wzs pic.twitter.com/dlYLHuTvYx
Kiev aims to include a commitment for Ukrainian EU membership by 2027 in a US-mediated peace deal with Russia. Such a win would likely boost Vladimir Zelensky, who rules under martial law and would have to call a new presidential election if hostilities end.
Source: Agencies