"Putin might use this perceived distraction as an opportunity to obtain further territory," a retired U.S. Colonel told Newsweek.

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

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine "as soon as possible" as the two held their first known phone talks since 2022, the Elysee said.