Zelensky holds talks with Macron in Paris on peace proposal

Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Paris on Monday morning to hold discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on potential pathways to peace between Ukraine and Russia. Earlier, Ukrainian officials traveled to Miami on Sunday to engage in negotiations with representatives from the Trump administration, which Zelensky described as "very constructive" on X.

The Paris meeting took place at the Elysee Palace. Macron's office previously stated that their talks would address "the conditions of a just and durable peace."

"I spoke with the President of Finland earlier today -- [Alexander Stubb] and I continue our coordination," Zelensky wrote on X Monday. "I briefed him on our delegation's work yesterday in the United States -- everything was very constructive. There are some tough issues that still have to be worked through. Our representatives will return to Europe in the coming days, and after speaking with them and receiving a full report on how the negotiations went, we will decide on our further activities. And for today, we have talks planned with our friends in Europe. It will be a very substantive day. Diplomacy, defense, energy -- the priorities are clear. I thank everyone who is helping!"

While all parties describe the discussions as productive, no details have been shared regarding changes to the initial plan proposed under Trump. The original proposal, negotiated by Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian officials, largely favored Russia, suggesting that eastern Donbas be ceded to Russia, Ukraine remain outside NATO, and the Ukrainian military be restricted in size. The most contentious elements of that draft are now postponed for later negotiation rounds.

After the Elysee meeting, Zelensky was scheduled to travel to Ireland on Tuesday for additional talks. Meanwhile, Witkoff is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday.

Following the Miami discussions, former Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov described the meetings as "difficult but productive," noting on social media, "We have achieved tangible progress on the path toward a just peace. There is still much work ahead."

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called this week "potentially pivotal for diplomacy," adding, "It is clear that Russia does not want peace, and therefore we need to make Ukraine as strong as possible to be ready to defend themselves during this very challenging period."

Amid the negotiations, Ukraine is also grappling with a corruption scandal, with Zelenskys top aide resigning on Friday following a search of his residence.

Author: Sophia Brooks