The Élysée Palace announced that French President Emmanuel Macron will host his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Paris next Monday for a summit meeting of strategic importance given the developments on the ground and in the diplomatic arena related to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The meeting will focus on two main issues: establishing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and discussing ways to move forward with the peace plan proposed by Kyiv to end the conflict.
A rich diplomatic background
This meeting comes amid intensive diplomatic efforts led by Ukraine to garner international support. Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, France has emerged as a key supporter of Kyiv, both militarily and politically, within the European Union and NATO. Macron has played a pivotal role in coordinating European aid, repeatedly emphasizing the need to defeat Russia without engaging in direct warfare. This meeting is not the first of its kind; rather, it is a continuation of a series of close consultations aimed at unifying the visions of key Western allies regarding a strategy to support Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace.
The importance of security guarantees for Ukraine
The issue of “security guarantees” is the cornerstone of the negotiations. Ukraine seeks clear and binding international commitments from its allies, primarily the G7 countries, of which France is a member, to ensure its long-term security. These guarantees extend beyond current military support to include bilateral agreements for the provision of advanced weaponry, troop training, intelligence sharing, and support for the Ukrainian defense industry. The goal is to build a robust Ukrainian deterrent capability to prevent any future aggression and provide a secure pathway to Ukraine’s future NATO membership, a strategic objective for Kyiv.
The Ukrainian peace plan is on the table for discussion
In parallel with the security track, the two leaders will discuss Ukraine’s ten-point “peace plan,” first presented by President Zelensky at the G20 summit. The plan is based on fundamental principles including the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from all internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, accountability for war crimes, and guarantees of nuclear and food security. France is a strong supporter of the plan, viewing it as the only viable basis for achieving a comprehensive peace that respects international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty. This meeting comes as a Ukrainian delegation heads to the United States to discuss similar peace initiatives, reflecting a coordinated effort to unify the West behind Kyiv’s vision for peace.
Expected impact of the summit
The significance of this meeting extends beyond bilateral relations between Paris and Kyiv. Regionally, the summit sends a clear message to Moscow that European support for Ukraine is unwavering and continuous. It also paves the way for important decisions that may be made at upcoming NATO and EU summits. Internationally, these talks contribute to building a broader international consensus on the need to end the war in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, further isolating Russia diplomatically and pressuring it to return to the negotiating table on fair terms.
