Macron’s diplomatic adviser travels to Moscow for talks with Kremlin: Report

​​​​​​​By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The diplomatic adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Moscow this week for talks with the Kremlin, according to a report Wednesday, as Paris seeks to maintain a role in discussions about the war in Ukraine, according to the L'Express weekly news magazine.

L'Express reported that Emmanuel Bonne went Tuesday to the Russian capital to meet his Kremlin counterpart, Yuri Ushakov, for discussions with Russian officials.

The trip comes as negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives continue in Abu Dhabi about ending the war, with US mediation, while France attempts to remain engaged diplomatically.

Speaking separately during a trip in France, Macron said the resumption of dialogue with Vladimir Putin "is being prepared," and talks are taking place "at a technical level," according to the report. He said the process is being conducted "in transparency and in coordination" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European countries.

Macron previously argued that renewed contact with Putin could help ensure Europe is not sidelined in decisions related to Ukraine.

The French and Russian leaders held an extended call in July, their first since late 2022, addressing the war in Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear program.

The report noted that in April 2024, the two countries' defense ministers also spoke by phone about counterterrorism issues following an attack in Moscow.