A significant meeting took place in Paris between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on key cooperation issues.
Zelensky emphasized that France’s support for Ukraine has always been unquestionable, expressing gratitude to the French people for their active assistance and leadership in international initiatives.
«We are currently at a critical moment where France, alongside other nations, is working to facilitate peace. Unfortunately, there are no signs that Russia is willing to negotiate peace. However, I am confident that our alliance, both European and with America, will help increase pressure on Russia», – stated the President.
Macron noted that this is their eighth meeting and reaffirmed that France will continue to support Ukraine.
The leaders discussed preparations for providing security guarantees, which will be implemented following negotiations with the U.S. President and other European leaders.
«We, as Europeans, are ready to offer Ukraine security guarantees on the day peace is established. This was discussed in Washington. We have been working intensively on this in recent weeks, and I can assure you that Europe is ready», – Macron highlighted.
The leaders also coordinated their positions ahead of the upcoming meeting of the coalition of willing nations, which will take place soon, with some participants joining from Paris and others online.
«I have great faith in the coalition of willing nations under your and Keir Starmer’s leadership, the outcomes of which will ensure security guarantees for Ukraine. A strong Ukrainian army and guarantees for the people are our priority», – added Zelensky.
They also discussed aspects of defense support for Ukraine, including current needs, sanctions against Russia, and the utilization of frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine.
Particular attention was paid to the issue of Ukraine's EU membership, emphasizing the importance of joint actions by Ukraine and Moldova. Macron assured that France is ready to support Ukraine in this process.
