Bon's visit, who has been leading Macron's diplomatic service since 2019, took place on February 3. According to L’Express, one source from Reuters reported that he held meetings with Kremlin representatives and discussions with Yuri Ushakov.
Reuters specifies that the French presidential administration has not provided official confirmation or denial of the information regarding the negotiations. In response to journalists' inquiries, Macron's office noted that "discussions are being held at a technical level with full transparency and consultations with President Zelensky and key European partners," as the president had mentioned earlier.
The last conversation between Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin took place on July 1, 2025, and according to the Kremlin, it was "substantive." During the conversation, Putin reiterated that the "conflict in Ukraine" is a result of the "long-term policies of Western countries that have neglected Russia's security interests."
In December 2025, Macron stated that it is necessary to continue the dialogue with Putin so that Europe can participate in resolving the issue regarding Ukraine. In early January, he expressed his intention to have such a conversation soon, to which the Kremlin responded that Putin is ready for negotiations. On February 3, Macron added that preparations are underway for a conversation with Putin at a technical level.
