Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as productive, emphasising their shared commitment to ending the war in Ukraine swiftly and justly. The leaders convened in Paris on 7 December to discuss the ongoing war and potential pathways to peace.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
The trilateral discussions, hosted by Macron in Paris, focused on the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine and the broader objective of achieving a “just peace.” Writing on Facebook, Zelensky characterised the exchange as positive and noted the determination of all participants to pursue peace.
In his statement, Zelensky said:
“A good, productive meeting with President Trump and President Macron. President Trump, as always, is determined. I thank him for this. I also thank President Macron for organising this meeting in Paris. We discussed our people, the situation on the battlefield, and a just peace for Ukraine. We all want to end this war as quickly and justly as possible. Peace through strength is possible.”
French President Emmanuel Macron shared a similar sentiment on his social media platform, highlighting the significance of the meeting:
“The United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered at Notre-Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security.”
Details of the Meeting
The discussions lasted 35 minutes and took place in a historic setting at Notre-Dame Cathedral. No press statements were issued following the meeting, leaving the details of their deliberations largely confined to the leaders’ subsequent remarks on social media.
The gathering was significant not only for its participants but also for the context in which it occurred. With Trump’s return to the international stage as President-elect and Macron’s continued role as a mediator in European security, the meeting underscored a renewed effort to align Western powers in addressing the war in Ukraine.
Focus on “Peace Through Strength”
Zelensky’s emphasis on “peace through strength” reflects Ukraine’s strategy of leveraging international support and maintaining military resilience as the cornerstone of its approach to negotiations. This concept aligns with Ukraine’s ongoing appeals for military and economic assistance from Western allies to sustain its defence capabilities.
Macron, for his part, has played an active role in advocating for European unity in response to the war, and his hosting of this meeting reinforces France’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between key stakeholders.
Image source: @EmmanuelMacron on X platform
