One source said the meeting focused on key issues, above all Russia’s war against Ukraine. In response to a Reuters inquiry, the Élysée neither confirmed nor denied that the discussions took place.
“As the president said yesterday in his address, discussions are being held at a technical level, with full transparency and in consultation with President Zelenskyy and key European colleagues,” Macron’s administration said.
Two diplomatic sources added that France’s allies had been informed of the plan and that Bonne met with Yuri Ushakov, a senior aide to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
On Feb. 3, Macron said preparations to restore dialogue between Europeans and Putin were continuing at a “technical level” despite Moscow’s lack of genuine readiness for peace talks. In December 2025, he had described a renewed conversation with Putin as “useful” for Europe.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Dec. 21 that Putin was ready for talks with Macron “if there is mutual political will.”