French President Emmanuel Macron will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, December 1, in Paris for high-level talks, the French presidency announced. The meeting comes as Washington pushes forward a diplomatic initiative aimed at ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
According to French officials, the two leaders will discuss “the conditions for a just and lasting peace”, at a moment when a senior Ukrainian delegation is travelling to Washington and Zelensky faces internal political turbulence following the dismissal of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that Paris is preparing to move negotiations forward:
“We will welcome President Zelensky in Paris on Monday to push negotiations ahead.”
Barrot sharply criticized Moscow’s ongoing aggression, declaring that peace is possible only if Vladimir Putin abandons his imperial ambitions, stating:
“Peace is within reach — if Putin gives up his delusions of reconstructing the Soviet empire by subjugating Ukraine.”
In a direct warning to the Kremlin, Barrot said:
“Putin must accept a ceasefire or face new sanctions that will further drain Russia’s economy, alongside intensified European support for Ukraine.”
Macron and Zelensky have maintained regular, close communication during this decisive phase of the war, triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelensky last visited the Élysée Palace just two weeks ago, on November 17.
Despite political challenges in Kyiv, Barrot underscored that the Ukrainian president retains “full legitimacy to lead Ukraine toward peace.”
