Why Macron wanted to resume dialogue with Russia. Analysis

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the resumption of technical contacts between Paris and Moscow. In addition, he noted that he expects the European Union to work out an agreed line on possible communications with Moscow, so that they would be conducted in a unified and orderly format. Why Macron decided to resume dialogue with Russia and why he chose this moment is in the Izvestia article.

Restoring the dialog

• Emmanuel Macron has put forward an initiative to a number of EU leaders to resume contacts with Russia. In his opinion, it is important for Europe to participate in the discussion of ways to resolve the situation around Ukraine directly, without relying on intermediaries from outside.

• At the same time, the French president recalled that Russia is geographically located next to Europe, regardless of political sympathies, and this factor cannot be ignored. He added that Paris has already taken steps to restore working communication channels, although not all EU partners are ready for similar actions yet.

Macron also stressed the need to develop a unified and well-organized European line in relations with Moscow. According to him, the resumption of dialogue will be required in any case, since the future peace agreement will affect not only Ukraine, but also the entire European continent. However, there are disagreements in Europe about the need to build a dialogue with Russia (we wrote about this in more detail here).

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The Kremlin has already confirmed the resumption of contacts with Paris. At the same time, the Kremlin explained that, if necessary, high-level contacts can be restored fairly quickly.

The appearance of intense activity

• The reason for the French president's initiative lies primarily in the domestic political situation and the personal ambitions of the politician. Support for Emmanuel Macron among the French has reached an unprecedented low level during his presidency — less than one fifth of the population expresses confidence in him (we wrote about the reasons for this attitude here). Even during the most massive street protests of the past years, the figures were higher. Chronic problems of public finances, including a huge amount of debt and budget deficit, played a significant role in the decline in the rating. Additional irritation was caused by the financial policy plan for 2026, which provides for the freezing of pensions and social benefits while sharply increasing defense spending, which many considered unfair and divorced from the real needs of society.

• Discontent is also growing because of Macron's general course. A significant part of citizens perceive it as a policy focused primarily on the interests of the wealthy and businesses. The increased tax burden on pensioners, the controversial pension reform with an increase in the retirement age, as well as the regular disregard for protest sentiments have created a sense of a gap between the government and the population. Against this background, the difficulties in healthcare are getting worse. Staff shortages, low salaries, and a lack of rapid improvements undermine the credibility of reform promises, especially in the face of rising prices and declining living standards.

At the same time, Macron himself seems to be betting on a future beyond national politics. He is considered as a possible candidate for high positions in EU structures, where the key role is played not by internal ratings, but by diplomatic ties and elite support. Despite his unpopularity in France, he remains an influential figure on the European stage with a chance to continue his career.

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Changing the foreign policy context

• There are problems in the Euro-Atlantic relations between Washington and Brussels, which have become apparent as a result of the tariff wars and Trump's foreign policy actions (we wrote in more detail here and here). France is striving to take a proactive position and reduce dependence on decisions made in Washington.

Macron assumes that it is the EU that is facing the key consequences of the Ukrainian conflict, from security issues to economic stability and migration. The resumption of working contacts with Russia is seen as a tool for maintaining diplomatic maneuver and preparing for a possible stage of political settlement.

• Macron's loud statements are explained by his desire to emphasize his own importance against the background of events around Ukraine. The French president is trying to show himself to be an influential participant in the process, on whom much supposedly depends, so it is important for him to look like a supporter of negotiations and a peaceful settlement. In this image, he cannot openly oppose the dialogue between Russia and Ukraine and demonstrates his willingness to push the parties to negotiate.

Macron's rhetoric and behavior largely repeat the style of Donald Trump. Macron borrows wording, gestures, and presentation style to look like a politician of comparable stature. Previously, a similar tendency was manifested in attempts to associate oneself with Vladimir Putin, and now a similar pattern of behavior is being reproduced in relation to Trump.

When writing the material, Izvestia interviewed:

• political scientist Andrey Manoilo;
• Dmitry Solonnikov, Director of the Institute of Modern State Development of Political Scientists.