Macron and Zelensky to Meet in Paris for Critical Peace Discussions on Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky at Elysee presidential Palace in Paris (File)

President Emmanuel Macron will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Paris on Monday for diplomatic discussions, according to an announcement from the French presidency. This meeting comes as Washington advances a potential framework aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The two leaders are scheduled to discuss "the conditions for a just and lasting peace," as confirmed by a French official on Saturday. This meeting coincides with a high-ranking Ukrainian delegation's trip to Washington and follows recent political changes in Kyiv, where Zelensky has removed his chief aide Andriy Yermak.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated to La Tribune Dimanche newspaper, "We will welcome President Zelensky to Paris on Monday to move the negotiations forward." The comments are set to appear in Sunday's publication.

Barrot expressed optimism about peace prospects, noting that "Peace is within reach, if Russian President Vladimir Putin abandons his delusional hope of reconstituting the Soviet Empire by first subjugating Ukraine."

In a clear message to Moscow, Barrot cautioned that "Vladimir Putin must accept the ceasefire or accept exposing Russia to new sanctions that will exhaust its economy, as well as intensified European support for Ukraine."

The upcoming talks represent continued close collaboration between Macron and Zelensky during this critical phase of the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Ukrainian president previously visited the Elysee Palace just two weeks ago on November 17.

Despite the political developments in Kyiv, Barrot affirmed that Zelensky maintains "full legitimacy to lead Ukraine towards peace."