Zelenskyy, Macron, Trump Meet In Paris, Call For End To War In Ukraine

The leaders said they want an end to the ongoing war with Russia and emphasised the need for a resolution that ensures lasting peace and justice.

The meeting took place at the Elysee Palace. It marks a moment just before Trump’s swearing-in the US President in January 2025.

Nearly three years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the leaders discussed the ongoing conflict, the situation on the ground and ways to achieve a fair and peaceful settlement.

Calling the meeting "productive" and thanking Trump and Macron, Zelenskyy said in a statement, as quoted by The New York Times,

"We talked about our people, the situation on the battlefield and a just peace for Ukraine. We all want to end this war as quickly and fairly as possible."

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude. “President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel for organizing this important meeting. We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way,” he posted.

Macron reinforced the commitment to continued international collaboration for peace and security. “United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security," he wrote.

The French presidential office confirmed that the trilateral meeting was proposed by President Emmanuel Macron and arranged just before Donald Trump's arrival in Paris, France 24 reported.

Trump has promised to bring an end to the war in Ukraine quickly, but has not detailed how this would be achieved, raising concerns in Kyiv about the potential terms for any future negotiations.

Macron’s office emphasised that Trump was invited as the president-elect of a “friendly nation". “This is not an exceptional event; we have done it before.”

Trump’s trip to Paris is part of his first international journey as president-elect, where he will also meet with Prince William ahead of the reopening of the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Notably, First Lady Jill Biden has joined the event in place of President Joe Biden.

The much-anticipated reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was severely damaged in a fire in 2019, is set for early December 2024. A weekend of ceremonies is planned for December 7 and 8 to mark the restoration of the iconic French landmark, which lost its spire in the devastating blaze.