The visit of Bonn, who has headed President Macron's diplomatic group since 2019, took place on February 3. According to L'Express, one source from Reuters reported that Bonn held meetings with Kremlin representatives, including negotiations with Yuri Ushakov.
The French presidential administration neither confirmed nor denied the information about the negotiations that took place. Reuters reports that in response to questions regarding communication with Russia, the administration stated: "As the president emphasized in his conversation with the press, discussions are being held at a technical level, with full transparency and taking into account the opinions of President Zelensky and key European partners."
The last conversation between President Macron and Vladimir Putin took place on July 1, 2025, and according to the Kremlin, it was "substantive." During this communication, Putin again pointed out that the "Ukrainian conflict" was a result of the "long-term policy of the West, which ignores Russia's security."
In December 2025, Macron noted the necessity of dialogue with Putin to ensure Europe's participation in decision-making regarding Ukraine, and in early January, he announced plans to hold such a conversation soon. The Kremlin confirmed Putin's readiness for dialogue, and on February 3, Macron stated that preparations for negotiations with the Russian leader at a technical level were ongoing.
