French President Emmanuel Macron is set to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, reinforcing France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
This marks Zelensky’s fifth visit to Paris since the onset of the invasion in 2022, highlighting the importance of France as a key ally for Ukraine in these challenging times.
The meeting is scheduled for 1300 GMT and is expected to serve as a platform for Macron to reiterate France’s determination to provide unwavering assistance to Ukraine.
The French presidency has emphasized that France will continue to work closely with its international partners to support the Ukrainian people and their government.
“This meeting is a vital opportunity for President Macron to express our solidarity and commitment to Ukraine,” a spokesperson for the French presidency stated.
Zelensky confirmed the upcoming discussions during a press conference alongside Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, where he outlined his itinerary for the week.
He revealed plans to meet with leaders from Britain, Germany, and Italy, emphasizing the urgency of international cooperation in addressing the ongoing conflict.
“I will meet separately in each country with the leaders of Britain, France, Italy, and Germany,” Zelensky noted, underlining the importance of building a unified front against Russian aggression.
On Friday, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, further solidifying his diplomatic outreach to European allies.
Although he did not specify the exact timing for his meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer or Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, local media reports suggest that he is also slated to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday, potentially following discussions with Meloni.
The backdrop of these meetings includes recent developments surrounding the Ramstein meeting, a critical assembly of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group that was originally scheduled for this weekend.
Due to Hurricane Milton, U.S. President Joe Biden canceled his planned visit to Germany, which was to include a vital meeting on Ukraine’s defense.
Zelensky supported Biden’s decision, acknowledging the circumstances but also emphasizing the significance of the Ramstein meeting format.
“We understand that a new schedule may be prepared in the near future,” he said, indicating a readiness to adapt to the evolving situation.
As Zelensky embarks on this diplomatic mission, he is expected to present a comprehensive plan to his partners during the rescheduled Ramstein meeting, aimed at securing further military and humanitarian support for Ukraine.
“I will try to do this quickly. And then I will present this victory plan to all our partners at the Ramstein meeting,” he affirmed, highlighting the urgency of continued support in the face of ongoing conflict.
The forthcoming discussions in Paris, along with Zelensky’s engagements with other European leaders, signal a concerted effort to galvanize international support for Ukraine as it navigates the complexities of its war against Russia.
As global leaders respond to the evolving crisis, the outcome of these meetings may significantly influence the trajectory of support for Ukraine in the coming months.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
