While the war in Ukraine has been going on for more than a year, “Sensitive Affairs” looks back on the genesis of diplomatic relations between the Russian and French presidents, which today turned face-to-face. A document to see on April 4 on France 2.
While the war in Ukraine has been going on for more than a year, the time for dialogue is over between Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin. Their last interview was on February 7, 2022, two weeks before the invasion. As for their last telephone conversation, it dates back to September 11, 2022. The magazine “Sensitive Affairs”, presented by Fabrice Drouelle, looks back on the genesis of diplomatic relations between the two presidents, who today turned face-to-face .
The first meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Poutine marked the whole world. On May 29, 2017, having just been elected, the French president decided to everyone’s surprise to receive his Russian counterpart. Vladimir Putin is the first head of state to whom he reserves this honor. The place chosen is very symbolic: the Palace of Versailles. In France, this visit arouses controversy on the left: why are we rolling out the red carpet to the ally of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, and to the secessionists of Donbass? Under the golds of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron pulls out all the stops. At least, in form.
Balance of power…
Because basically, the young president does not hesitate to address angry subjects: human rights, Syria, Ukraine, and interference in the 2017 presidential election. And with firmness. The exercise is complex because Vladimir Putin is reputed to be a difficult interlocutor, fond of power struggles.
Through the testimonies of diplomats who work in the shadow of these presidents, “Sensitive Affairs” reveals behind the scenes of this meeting, a prelude to the diplomatic strategy initiated by President Macron against his Russian counterpart.
Guests on set: Mary Mendrasprofessor at Sciences Po and political scientist at the CNRS; Sylvie BermanFrench Ambassador to Russia (2017-2019).
“Sensitive Affairs”, a France Télévisions, France TV press, France Inter and INA co-production, adapted from a France Inter program.
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