French President Insists on European Role as Kyiv Faces Military Setbacks and Corruption Probe
PARIS, FRANCE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday for extensive talks focused on intensifying sanctions, finalizing security guarantees, and aligning strategy around the accelerating U.S.-backed peace negotiations.
The meeting occurred at a challenging moment for Kyiv, as Russian forces continue to gain ground in eastern Ukraine and Zelenskyy’s inner circle is dealing with domestic strain following the resignation of chief negotiator and Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak amid a major corruption probe.
Following productive discussions between a Ukrainian delegation and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Florida on Sunday, the diplomatic focus has intensified. However, Zelenskyy stated that the territorial dimension of the revised peace plan remains “the most difficult one.”
President Macron was adamant that the peace process could only advance with European powers “around the table,” stressing that no final agreement would move forward without their participation. Macron confirmed that European leaders have already developed a preliminary approach to security guarantees that will be discussed further with the “Coalition of the Willing” partners.
Amid questions regarding the corruption case, Macron defended Kyiv’s internal systems, arguing that “the fight against corruption is working, since there are decisions that are open,” contrasting this with a lack of accountability in Russia.
Macron also highlighted intensifying international pressure on Moscow. He noted that the EU has adopted its 19th sanctions package (passed in October) and is preparing a 20th, with the U.S. now joining efforts to target Russian oil companies.
The Paris summit was immediately followed by successive phone calls involving Zelenskyy and Macron with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the leaders of Germany, Poland, and other key European allies, underscoring the urgency of a unified Western approach.