Nicolas de Rivière, the French Ambassador to Russia for nearly a year, discussed the challenges of diplomatic relations amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated that while bilateral relations are severely degraded and direct meetings with Vladimir Putin are rare, maintaining dialogue is crucial for France and Europe to defend their interests. De Rivière emphasized the importance of frank communication with Russian counterparts, noting their directness. He also highlighted France's commitment to promoting human rights and democracy, exemplified by gestures such as paying respects at Alexei Navalny's grave, which are communicated transparently to Russian authorities. France has been working since December to restore direct dialogue with Putin within a European framework.