Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Paris for a critical meeting with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, marking the start of a pivotal week of high-stakes diplomacy. The visit comes amid increasing pressure from the United States to find a pathway to end the ongoing war with Russia.
Diplomatic Push for Peace Framework
The Paris summit follows a weekend of intense negotiations in Florida, where Ukrainian officials met with US counterparts to refine a proposed framework to conclude the conflict. The discussions centred on a 28-point plan initially developed in talks between Washington and Moscow, a blueprint that has faced criticism for appearing to lean too heavily towards Russian demands.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot set a firm precondition for peace ahead of the leaders' meeting, stating to La Tribune Dimanche that a resolution is achievable "if Vladimir Putin abandons his delusional hope of reconstituting the Soviet empire by first subjugating Ukraine." This statement underscores the significant diplomatic hurdles that remain.
Europe's Coordinated Response
As Zelenskyy and Macron confer at the Élysée Palace, a broader diplomatic effort is unfolding across the continent. In Brussels, European Union ministers are convening for talks focused on foreign policy and defence, with Ukraine expected to dominate the agenda.
Simultaneously, a separate high-profile meeting is taking place in Berlin, where German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is hosting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for intergovernmental consultations. While Ukraine will be a top priority, the talks occur against a backdrop of near record-low Polish sentiment towards Germany, adding a layer of complexity to the allies' coordination.
US Envoys Prepare for Moscow Talks
In a significant parallel development, US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are preparing to travel to Moscow for anticipated discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This move signals a direct American engagement in the peace process, complementing the European diplomatic efforts.
The flurry of activity across multiple capitals highlights the intense international focus on finding a diplomatic off-ramp to the war. With key meetings in Paris, Berlin, Brussels, and planned talks in Moscow, this week represents a crucial moment for shaping the future of Ukraine and European security.
