MOSCOW - The Kremlin has declined to confirm or deny reports that a senior French diplomatic adviser visited Moscow earlier this week for talks with Russian officials, amid ongoing efforts to explore channels for dialogue on the Ukraine conflict.
According to sources cited by international media outlets, Emmanuel Bonne, President Emmanuel Macron's top diplomatic adviser, traveled to the Russian capital on February 3, 2026, where he reportedly met with Yuri Ushakov, a senior aide to President Vladimir Putin. The discussions were said to focus primarily on key issues related to Ukraine, as European leaders seek to maintain or reestablish lines of communication with Moscow.
While the French presidency has neither confirmed nor denied the reported meeting, it referred to President Macron's recent statements indicating that technical-level discussions with Russia are underway in full transparency and in coordination with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European partners. Macron has emphasized the need for resuming dialogue as part of broader efforts to address the war.
The Kremlin's spokesperson, when asked about the alleged visit, stated that Russia neither confirms nor denies such reports, maintaining a cautious stance typical in sensitive diplomatic matters. This position underscores Moscow's reluctance to publicly acknowledge or comment on back-channel engagements, particularly at a time when multiple negotiation tracks, including U.S.-brokered talks, are active in the region.
The reported visit comes against the backdrop of renewed French interest in direct engagement with Russia. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has recently highlighted the importance of Europe maintaining independent channels with Moscow to safeguard its interests, given Europe's primary role in providing financial and military support to Ukraine.
Analysts suggest that such discreet diplomatic contacts could serve as preparatory steps for higher-level discussions, though both sides remain guarded about their scope and outcomes. The lack of official confirmation from either Paris or Moscow highlights the delicate nature of these interactions amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
