Zelensky and Macron: Crucial talks in Paris on the peace plan
At a pivotal moment in European history, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a strategic visit to Paris, where he held extensive talks with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron . This bilateral summit comes at a highly sensitive time, marked by the interplay of complex military developments on the ground and major geopolitical shifts that could reshape the international order, particularly given the global anticipation of the policies of the incoming US administration.
The context of the conflict and the search for a European umbrella
Since the outbreak of war in February 2022, France has played a pivotal role in rallying European support for Kyiv. Zelensky's current visit is doubly significant as it precedes major diplomatic moves, most notably the anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff. The European side, led by Macron, seeks to preempt any scenarios that might lead to bilateral understandings between Washington and Moscow that disregard European interests or Ukrainian sovereignty, thus reviving historical fears of a repeat of scenarios involving the division of influence without the participation of the stakeholders.
Europe rejects being sidelined in peace negotiations
During the press conference, the French president delivered a clear and firm message: "Europe will not be a mere spectator." Macron emphasized the mobilization of the continent to ensure a just and lasting peace, stressing that any solution must be formulated with active European participation at the negotiating table. He clarified that the current phase is still "preparatory," denying the existence of a fully finalized peace plan, thus dispelling rumors of pre-arranged secret deals. This stance reflects Paris's desire to maintain European unity and ensure that future security guarantees for Ukraine are an integral part of the overall European security framework.
Field challenges and their impact on diplomacy
This diplomatic activity cannot be viewed in isolation from the harsh military realities on the ground. According to recent data based on reports from the Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces have achieved significant territorial gains, capturing approximately 701 square kilometers in just one month. This advance is the second largest since the start of the offensive in the spring of 2022, following the 725 square kilometers gained last November.
Despite President Zelensky's attempts to downplay the strategic significance of these figures and emphasize the evolving nature of the fighting, these data place immense pressure on the Ukrainian negotiator. Zelensky understands that entering any future negotiations will require either improved conditions on the ground or solid Western security guarantees that prevent Russia from exploiting its military superiority to impose terms of surrender.
International mobilization and cross-border coordination
In his efforts to strengthen his negotiating position, Zelenskyy has not limited himself to French support, but has broadened his contacts to include the leaders of Britain, Germany, Poland, and Italy, as well as NATO and EU officials. The Ukrainian president is also planning a rare visit to Ireland, a country known for its military neutrality, in a move aimed at garnering wider international support beyond traditional allies. These moves coincide with statements by Ukrainian negotiator Rustam Umarov regarding progress on the draft peace plan, while insisting on the need for amendments to ensure that Moscow does not receive any political "reward" for its military operations.
