French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday hosted Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, describing the current diplomatic efforts on Ukraine as a potentially decisive moment for both European security and the future of the war.
The high-level meeting comes amid intensified international attempts to shape the framework of a possible ceasefire in the nearly four-year-old conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky’s visit followed discussions between Ukrainian and American officials in Florida, which Marco Rubio called constructive. Both sides reportedly reviewed revisions to a U.S.-drafted proposal that had earlier been negotiated with Moscow but was criticised for leaning too heavily in Russia’s favour.
European governments have voiced strong reservations about that draft, stressing that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be fully respected. Macron said that negotiations remain at a preliminary stage, stressing that only Ukraine has the authority to decide on territorial matters.
“Ukraine alone can speak for its territory as a sovereign nation,” he said, while also acknowledging Washington’s ongoing peace efforts.
Europe Must Be Part of the Final Deal
Macron emphasized that upcoming discussions between U.S. officials and Western partners would be crucial in clarifying Washington’s role in post-war security arrangements for Ukraine. He firmly argued that Europe must be directly involved in shaping any final agreement.
“Questions related to frozen assets, security guarantees, future sanctions and European Union accession cannot be resolved without Europeans at the table,” he said.
Macron also condemned Russia’s continued military actions, pointing out that Moscow is intensifying 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 stated.
Zelensky echoed those concerns, saying that Russia has recently increased missile and drone strikes in an attempt to crush public morale in Ukraine.
Sanctions Pressure on Russia to Intensify
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 said.
Earlier in the day, Macron and Zelensky held consultations with several European leaders from Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Norway, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands. Officials from the European Union, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, as well as NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, also participated. Macron and Zelensky later discussed the situation by phone with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
US and Russia Diplomacy Continues
Donald Trump has recently downplayed the earlier 28-point U.S. peace framework that reportedly proposed restrictions on Ukraine’s military, blocked NATO membership and demanded territorial concessions. Trump described it as a draft concept that could still be modified.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet Witkoff this week. The U.S. envoy’s role has drawn controversy following reports that he may have advised Moscow on how to present its position to Washington.
