Parisians express hope and support for Europe’s backing of Ukraine as President Zelenskyy prepares for talks with Trump and European leaders in Washington, believing that continued diplomatic efforts will help resolve the ongoing conflict.

Libération and Les Echos provided prominent coverage ahead of the high-stakes talks in Washington, highlighting the significance of European unity in supporting Ukraine as President Zelenskyy prepares to meet President Trump.

On the streets of Paris, many people are hopeful about the outcome of Monday's peace talks. Jade Bouquerel, a 22-year-old intern, expressed approval of the European leaders’ communication in supporting Zelenskyy. However, she was cautious about the immediate impact.

“I think it’s really a good thing that a communication was made by European leaders supporting Ukraine,” she said. “The crisis is complicated, so it will help to make progress, yes, but will it resolve the whole crisis? I think not, we have to be realistic. It’s difficult to see how peace will come soon, but it’s good that the leaders are talking.”

French President Emmanuel Macron has also expressed his support.

“Any peace agreement must involve Ukraine’s active participation, and its future cannot be decided without its consent,” Macron said in June 2025. 

Finance worker Alvaro Garza, 27, from Mexico, believes a compromise will have to be made in order for an agreement to be reached from both sides.

“The more they speak, the better. The faster we have an agreement,” Garza said.

“It seems right to me. But the fact of having an agreement means that there was a war before and therefore what could have happened during the war is not necessarily comfortable for one or the other side. In this case, it is Ukraine that suffered the losses. If they reach an agreement, I think they will have to accept the losses that have already occurred. It’s a shame, but necessary.”

The global community remains focused on whether these talks will lead to lasting peace for Ukraine or whether the conflict will persist.

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