Ukraine's Zelenskyy concludes peace talks with Macron at Élysée Palace

Ukraine's Zelenskyy concludes peace talks with Macron at Élysée Palace
French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he arrives for a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 1 December, 2025
Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded his visit to the Élysée Palace in Paris on Monday, marking a new phase of diplomacy as Kyiv pushes for stronger European support for its terms in a settlement with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, with Kyiv seeking stronger European support for its terms in negotiations with Russia.

Zelenskyy’s visit follows productive discussions in Florida over the weekend between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators, focused on advancing a peace deal that secures Ukraine’s core interests while aiming to stabilize the broader security landscape.

As European capitals weigh their positions on Washington's emerging peace framework, Paris is expected to play a key role in shaping Europe's approach to the ongoing negotiations.

For Kyiv, maintaining consistent European engagement is crucial as the military and diplomatic pressures of the nearly four-year conflict continue to intensify. France has consistently emphasized that any eventual peace agreement must meet Kyiv’s demands for fairness and long-term durability. Monday’s talks were seen as an opportunity to reaffirm France’s stance on those conditions.

The Élysée has confirmed that the meeting covered key parameters for a just settlement, support for Ukraine’s defense needs, and Europe’s involvement in the long-term peace process. Zelenskyy also expressed his gratitude for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s continued support, particularly in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience against Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and the energy sector.

The nearly four-year-long war remains at a delicate crossroads, with both Kyiv and Moscow considering a peace plan from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

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