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

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to agree a ceasefire in Ukraine "as soon as possible" as the two held their first known phone talks in over 2.5 years, the Elysee said.

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