On a trip that will likely shape Russia—France ties for years to come, President Vladimir Putin is set to visit France for talks with newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron after expressing sympathy for his rivals during the campaign.
After Moscow lost its bets in the French vote, the visit offers the Russian leader a chance to turn the page and try to establish ties with Mr. Macron as the Kremlin has struggled to mend a bitter rift in relations with the West.
Monday’s meeting comes in the wake of the Group of Seven’s summit over the weekend where relations with Russia were part of the agenda, making Mr. Macron the first Western leader to speak to Mr. Putin after the talks.
