Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron to review details of the ceasefire negotiations. This meeting was held just before U.S. special envoy Steve Vitkov visits Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky reiterated that the territorial issue remains the most challenging aspect.
According to BBC broadcasts on the 1st (local time), Zelensky and Macron met at the Elysee Palace to exchange views on the ceasefire negotiations. They also discussed the direction of the U.S.-led peace initiative and Europe’s role with leaders from the UK, Germany, Poland, and Italy via video link.
After the meeting, Zelensky mentioned on X (formerly Twitter) that the focus was on negotiations to end the war and security guarantees, describing the talks as very constructive but acknowledging difficult issues still need to be resolved.
In a joint press conference, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s priority is to maintain sovereignty and secure strong security guarantees, asserting that Russia’s demands are unacceptable for Kyiv. Russia wants territories in the Donbas region, already under its control, but Ukraine insists on not ceding any territory. Russia controls about 19% of Ukraine’s land currently.
Macron stated, “No proposal can be made without Ukraine and Europe’s participation, especially on territorial issues, which only Ukraine can discuss.” His stance supports Ukraine and rejects direct U.S. involvement in territorial matters.
Regarding security guarantees, Macron asserted discussions cannot proceed without Ukraine and its European allies. He noted key discussions on U.S. involvement would take place within days.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concern about potential pressures on the weaker side, highlighting fears Ukraine might be pressured to surrender.
The EU is pursuing its own measures to use Russia’s frozen overseas assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction, but concerns exist that the U.S.-led peace plan might undermine this effort. Kallas underscored the week’s significance for diplomatic efforts.
The Zelensky-Macron meeting gained more attention as it preceded Vitkov’s meeting with Putin, accompanied by Jared Kushner, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, to convey discussion results to the Russian President.
Previously, negotiation teams from Ukraine and the U.S. met in Florida to revise the criticized draft peace plan, deemed favorable to Russia. The White House expressed optimism about reaching an agreement to end the war, indicating a positive negotiation atmosphere.