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Video length: 53 min
Sensitive matters
While the war in Ukraine seems to drag on, “Sensitive Affairs” returns to the genesis of diplomatic relations between the Russian and French presidents, which turned into a face-to-face confrontation.
While the war in Ukraine has lasted for more than two years, the time for dialogue has passed between Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin. Their last interview was on February 7, 2022, two weeks before the invasion. As for their final telephone conversation, it dates back to September 11, 2022. The magazine “Affaires Sensitive”, presented by Fabrice Drouelle, looks back on the genesis of diplomatic relations between the two presidents, which today turned into a face-to-face meeting. .
The first meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin marked the entire 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 chosen location is very symbolic: the Palace of Versailles. In France, this visit arouses controversy on the left: why are we rolling out the red carpet for the ally of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, and the secessionists of Donbass? Under the gold 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 known 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 facing his Russian counterpart.
“Sensitive Affairs”, a co-production between France Télévisions, France TV presse, France Inter and INA, adapted from a France Inter broadcast.
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