The primary takeaways from the assembly between Zelensky and Macron | EUROtoday
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Sous sturdy strain on the worldwide diplomatic scene in addition to on the political scene of his nation, Volodymyr Zelensky met Emmanuel Macron this Monday 1er December in Paris. The Ukrainian president spoke along with his French counterpart in a bid to safe assist from European leaders forward of Tuesday’s assembly in Moscow between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin.
At the tip of the interview, throughout their joint speech, Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron displayed a typical need: to face agency within the face of strain from the Russian military on the one hand and from a Trump administration decided to safe a peace settlement as shortly as potential on the opposite. The problem: to attract the contours of a “dignified” peace for Ukraine and the democratic camp. This assembly comes as Russian forces made their largest advance on the Ukrainian entrance in a 12 months in November, with greater than 700 km² conquered in response to knowledge from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). And this regardless of the heroic resistance of the Ukrainians on the entrance.
A nonetheless imprecise peace plan, on the coronary heart of a diplomatic standoff
At the middle of the discussions: the peace plan supported by Washington, negotiated with out the Ukrainians or the Europeans and largely favorable to Moscow (notably when it comes to the territories ceded by Ukraine). The model amended by the 27 and by kyiv was then rejected by the Kremlin. Hence the necessity to make clear the purpose at which the diplomatic debates had reached. On Monday, Emmanuel Macron insisted on the truth that “there is not today, strictly speaking, a plan that has been finalized”, notably on territorial questions which “can only be decided by President Zelensky”. The French president specifies that peace can solely be outlined with Ukraine and the Europeans “around the table”, together with on frozen Russian belongings, safety ensures, membership within the European Union and the sanctions regime.
Europe refuses to be marginalized in a battle taking part in out on its borders
Zelensky, for his half, insisted on the central position of Europeans, each for reconstruction and for monetary levers. Excluding Europe from the discussions, he judges, can be “unfair”, regardless that a big a part of the required sources are on the continent. Its message is twofold: addressed to the United States, it signifies that an settlement negotiated with out the EU can be largely inapplicable on the bottom; addressed to Europeans, it invitations them to totally assume their political and financial weight. The Ukrainian president thanks his companions for his or her continued assist and units a pink line: “We must end this war in a dignified manner, in the long-term interests of the democratic world. » Behind this formula lies the refusal of a peace on the cheap, which would sustainably confirm Russian territorial gains.
Zelensky wants to speak with Donald Trump on “key issues”
During their assembly, Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron spoke with American negotiator Steve Witkoff and his Ukrainian counterpart Roustem Oumerov who’re holding discussions in Florida with Donald Trump. Zelensky stated he want to converse instantly with the American president on the “key issues” of the American peace plan, firstly the destiny of the occupied territories. “We hope for a conversation with the President of the United States on key issues which are quite difficult,” he stated, citing particularly the topic of the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. After “very good exchanges with the Ukrainians in Florida”, the Trump administration is “very optimistic” about the potential for an settlement being concluded quickly, assured the White House spokesperson. Emmanuel Macron spoke with Donald Trump after receiving Volodymyr Zelensky.
Corruption in Ukraine: Macron reassures public opinion whereas supporting kyiv
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Kangaroo of the day
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Emmanuel Macron didn’t keep away from delicate topics, particularly the corruption affair which impacts the Ukrainian authorities. However, he refused to “give lessons” to kyiv, whereas recalling that the allies are “very vigilant” with regard to the navy and monetary assist offered. The French president thus seeks to reply the questions of his personal public opinion: Ukraine, regardless of its fragilities, stays a rustic the place the combat towards corruption is working, not like a “real dictatorship” in Russia the place such challenges to energy don’t exist.
Avoiding a “reward” for Moscow and a frozen battle on the EU’s doorstep
Volodymyr Zelensky lastly urged that no settlement would permit Russia to contemplate its invasion as a reward. The concern goes past the mere define of the entrance line: it’s a query of stopping a conflict of aggression from main, in the long run, to a internet profit for the aggressor, which might weaken your entire European safety order.
https://www.lepoint.fr/monde/les-principaux-points-a-retenir-de-la-rencontre-entre-zelensky-et-macron-01-12-2025-2604484_24.php