French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu recently had a rare telephone conversation with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, where they discussed increasing exchanges to combat terrorism following the deadly attack in Moscow claimed by the Islamic State. Lecornu also reaffirmed French support for Ukraine against Russia during the call, which is significant given the strained relations between Russia and European powers since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The one-hour talks came as France is preparing to host the Olympic Games later this year, sparking security concerns after the Moscow attack.
During the conversation, Lecornu expressed France’s readiness to confront terrorism and emphasized the importance of increased cooperation to effectively combat this threat. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledging that radical Islamists were responsible for the Moscow attack, he suggested there may be a link to Ukraine, which Lecornu disputed during the call. The French minister urged Moscow to refrain from exploiting the attack for political gain and condemned Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. He reiterated France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and sovereignty.
President Emmanuel Macron previously mentioned offering increased cooperation with Russian security services to address security concerns related to the Paris Olympics. French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera stated there is no specific terror threat to the Olympics, and plans are underway for the opening ceremony on the river Seine. France has experienced multiple attacks by Islamist extremists in the past, leading to a request for foreign allies to provide additional security forces for the Olympics. Macron has taken a firm stance against Russia, even suggesting the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine.
Macron has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to deter Russia from further aggression, including warnings against invading Ukraine and direct talks with Putin, which have now ceased. The last call between the two presidents took place in September 2022, highlighting the strained relations between France and Russia. Lecornu and Shoigu have had limited communication since October 2022, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently held a phone call in April 2023. Shoigu also spoke to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in the month prior, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagements between Russia and Western countries.
Despite the lack of direct communication between Western officials and Russia, there have been interactions at international meetings such as the G20, where Lavrov regularly attends. The situation remains tense as France and Russia navigate their differences on issues related to terrorism, Ukraine, and security at the upcoming Olympics. The ongoing dialogue between the two countries and their respective defense ministers reflects the complex dynamics at play in their relationship, as they strive to address shared challenges while managing their diverging interests and perspectives on key issues.
