Daijiworld Media Network – Paris
Paris, Nov 30: French President Emmanuel Macron will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Monday for high-level talks, the French presidency announced on Saturday. The meeting comes as the United States pushes forward a renewed plan aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing war between Kyiv and Moscow.
An official from the French presidency said the two leaders would discuss “the conditions for a just and lasting peace”, even as political tensions simmer in Kyiv following Zelenskyy’s decision to remove his top aide, Andriy Yermak. A senior Ukrainian delegation has already departed for Washington for parallel diplomatic engagements.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking to La Tribune Dimanche, confirmed that Paris sees this moment as pivotal.
“We will welcome President Zelenskyy to Paris on Monday to move the negotiations forward,” Barrot said, stressing that peace remains possible — provided Russia changes course.
“Peace is within reach, if Russian President Vladimir Putin abandons his delusional hope of rebuilding the Soviet Empire by subjugating Ukraine,” he added.
Issuing a stern warning to Moscow, Barrot said Putin must either accept the ceasefire or face new sanctions that could further strain Russia’s economy, along with intensified European support for Ukraine.
Macron and Zelenskyy have maintained intense diplomatic engagement, especially in recent weeks. Zelenskyy last visited the Élysée Palace just two weeks ago, on November 17, underscoring France’s active role in this phase of the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Commenting on the political turbulence in Kyiv, Barrot affirmed that Zelenskyy retains “full legitimacy to lead Ukraine towards peace.”