President Macron Accused of Secret Diplomacy Violation, Russia Strongly Condemns

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] French President Emmanuel Macron was strongly criticized by Russia for violating the principle of secret diplomacy by broadcasting his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in full.

According to Bloomberg on the 5th (local time), a recording of the call with President Putin was aired in the recent documentary "The President, Europe, and the War," which covered Macron's term as the rotating chair of the European Union (EU). The call took place on February 20, just before Russia invaded Ukraine.

The broadcast covered President Macron's activities during France's EU presidency, including issues related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, thus addressing his related diplomatic efforts. President Macron held the rotating EU presidency for six months starting in January this year.

In response, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said on the state-run Channel 1, "High-level phone calls are naturally confidential and private negotiations," adding, "We will no longer expect France to respect confidentiality." She emphasized, "France has essentially posted to the entire world that it is natural to disclose high-level conversations."

In the released call, President Macron proposed to President Putin a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Geneva, Switzerland, suggesting that this be included in a joint statement. President Putin replied, "I agree in principle," but said he was currently in a gym and would consult with his aides before starting ice hockey practice. After the call, President Macron told his aides that the conversation went well, but in a dialogue between the foreign policy advisers of both presidents?Emmanuel Bonne and Yuri Ushakov?the Russian side changed their stance, asking not to mention the summit in the joint statement. Adviser Bonne even said, "Putin is a liar."

During the conversation, President Putin also made defamatory remarks about President Zelensky. Putin claimed that the Ukrainian government was not democratically established, stating, "They took power through a coup, and people were burned alive. It was a massacre, and Zelensky is one of those responsible."

Footage also showed President Macron’s call with President Zelensky on February 24, the first day of the war. President Zelensky said in English, "It is very important that you talk with Putin," urging continued efforts to stop the war. President Macron asked, "Are you ready to sit at the negotiating table?" to which President Zelensky responded, "Of course, we must."