French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Paris to discuss Europe’s role in Ukraine peace talks amid ongoing conflict and international diplomatic efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on Monday, marking a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in Ukraine. Macron characterized this juncture as potentially decisive for both European security and the future of the conflict, which has persisted for nearly four years.
The high-level meeting comes as international stakeholders intensify their efforts to establish a framework for a possible ceasefire in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky’s visit followed constructive discussions between Ukrainian and American officials in Florida, where revisions to a U.S.-drafted proposal were reviewed. This proposal had previously faced criticism for favoring Russia too heavily in its terms.
European governments have expressed strong reservations about the draft, emphasizing the necessity of fully respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty. Macron underscored that negotiations remain in the preliminary stages and reiterated that only Ukraine has the authority to make decisions regarding its territorial integrity.
“Ukraine alone can speak for its territory as a sovereign nation,” Macron stated, while also acknowledging the ongoing peace efforts led by Washington.
Macron further asserted that Europe must play a direct role in shaping any final agreement regarding Ukraine’s future. He highlighted the importance of upcoming discussions between U.S. officials and Western partners, which he believes will clarify Washington’s role in post-war security arrangements.
“Questions related to frozen assets, security guarantees, future sanctions, and European Union accession cannot be resolved without Europeans at the table,” he emphasized.
During the meeting, Macron condemned Russia’s ongoing military actions, noting that Moscow has escalated its attacks even as peace negotiations are being discussed. “At a moment when peace is being talked about, Russia continues to attack and destroy,” he remarked.
Zelensky echoed these sentiments, pointing out that Russia has recently intensified missile and drone strikes in an effort to undermine public morale in Ukraine.
In terms of sanctions, Macron predicted that pressure on Russia’s energy sector would reach unprecedented levels in the coming weeks. “The pressure on Russia’s oil and gas industry will soon be the strongest since the start of the invasion. This will significantly affect the Russian economy,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, Macron and Zelensky held consultations with several European leaders, including representatives from Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Officials from the European Union, such as Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, along with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, also participated in the discussions. Following their meeting, Macron and Zelensky spoke by phone with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff to further discuss the situation.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian diplomatic efforts continue. Former President Donald Trump has recently downplayed a previously proposed 28-point U.S. peace framework, which included restrictions on Ukraine’s military, blocked NATO membership, and demanded territorial concessions. Trump described the proposal as a draft concept that remains open to modification.
In a related development, the Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet with Witkoff this week. The role of the U.S. envoy has sparked controversy, particularly following reports suggesting he may have advised Moscow on how to present its position to Washington.
As diplomatic efforts evolve, the focus remains on ensuring that European voices are integral to any resolution regarding the conflict in Ukraine, underscoring the complexity and urgency of the situation.
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