The war in Ukraine, now dragging into its third year, is doing more than bleeding Russian soldiers. It is draining the trust and warmth once shared with nations that stood shoulder to shoulder with the Kremlin.

While Ukraine was reportedly mentioned, it wasn’t the main focus.

Day War" between Iran and Israel continues to draw international attention, including from the White House, Russian President Vladimir Putin has seized on the opportunity to fuel new momentum for his ongoing war in Ukraine.

It was the two leaders’ first call since 2022, and the Russian president’s first with any major European leader since last year.

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin had a "substantial" phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on the Middle East crisis including Iran and the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, their first such exchange since September 2022.