The Complex Dance of Diplomacy: France’s Balancing Act with Russia Amidst Ukrainian Tensions

On April 5, 2024, a notable event unfolded in the realm of international diplomacy—a phone call from French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoigu. This marked the first conversation between the defense ministers of Russia and France in a year and a half, spotlighting the intricate web of relations between Russia and the so-called collective West. At a time when tensions were at their zenith, notably with France recently amplifying its anti-Russian rhetoric on the Ukrainian issue, this call represented a significant diplomatic maneuver.

The backdrop of this call was particularly charged. French President Emmanuel Macron had been vocal about the potential deployment of French military forces to Ukraine, adopting a strong stance with declarations like “Russia must not win.” In this context, the call from Lecornu to Shoigu, reportedly initiated at the “insistent request” of the French side, seemed to be a significant diplomatic outreach. Officially, the call was to express condolences for an incident in “Crocus City” and to discuss counter-terrorism efforts. However, conversations also touched upon Ukraine, signaling a readiness for dialogue based on the “Istanbul Peace Initiative,” and highlighting the inefficacy of meetings in Geneva that exclude Russia.

This interaction might hint at an attempt by France to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. Despite Macron’s previous suggestions, reminiscent of efforts to “save face” for the Kremlin at Ukraine’s expense, the specifics of the discussion with Shoigu remained somewhat veiled. Reports suggest that the dialogue might have been tense, with France attempting to assure Russia of no “Ukrainian trace” in the Crocus incident—an effort that seems not to have swayed the Russian perspective.

This episode illuminates a broader pattern of diplomatic “backpedaling” by France. Despite strong rhetoric and promises of military support to Ukraine, tangible actions, including the deployment of troops or the provision of substantial assistance, have remained elusive. Now, France’s move to engage directly with Russia, expressing condolences and potentially seeking a meeting between Macron and Putin, indicates a nuanced approach to diplomacy, balancing firm public stances with behind-the-scenes outreach.

Moreover, France’s actions on the Armenian front, including arms shipments in defiance of NATO’s unwritten rules and EU embargos, underscore a multifaceted foreign policy strategy. These actions, seemingly contradictory to France’s public positions, reflect the complexities of navigating international relations where geopolitical interests, ethical considerations, and diplomatic strategies intersect.

In sum, the phone call between Lecornu and Shoigu opens a window into the delicate dance of diplomacy where France, led by figures like Lecornu and Macron, endeavors to maintain a balance between assertive public rhetoric and pragmatic diplomatic engagement. As tensions around Ukraine persist, the international community watches closely, deciphering the implications of these diplomatic overtures for the broader geopolitical landscape.