Macron to Meet with Zelensky on Wednesday to Prepare for Thursday’s Summit of Leaders
French President Emmanuel Macron will receive his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Paris this Wednesday for an initial meeting ahead of the summit scheduled for Thursday with European leaders, which will focus on the new diplomatic and political landscape regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
The Élysée has announced Zelensky’s visit in a statement, noting that it will include a bilateral meeting and a joint declaration to the media. Macron will emphasize to his counterpart that “strengthening military and financial support for Ukraine” remains an “absolute priority,” according to his office.
Beyond the bilateral aspect, Zelensky’s trip “will help prepare the meeting on peace and security for Ukraine that will be held the following day in Paris,” which will be attended by several leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
At the conclusion of last Thursday’s European Council in Brussels, Macron announced the organization of this meeting with the aim of securing an “explicit” and “detailed” commitment regarding the short-term military support that countries are willing to provide Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
“We must show that we are determined to support Ukraine in its resistance and that we are credible, so that when peace is signed, it will be a lasting peace,” said the French leader, who had already hinted he expected Zelensky to attend.
