First Italy, then Germany and now France: The Ukrainian President is completing a diplomatic marathon in Europe. In Paris, too, it should be about further support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj arrived in Paris for consultations on Sunday evening after his visit to Germany. After landing at a military airport near Paris, Selenskyj was received by France’s Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. Head of State Emmanuel Macron met the Ukrainian President for a working dinner at the Élysée Palace. Macron will reiterate France’s unwavering support for Ukraine, the Elysee Palace said.
According to the Élyséepalast, the talks between Macron and Zelenskyj are about further military and humanitarian support. A long-term perspective for peace in Europe could therefore also be an issue.
Selenskyj sees his visit as a further step towards improving relations. “Paris. Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities improve with every visit,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Sunday evening about his trip to the French capital. “Relations with Europe are getting stronger and the pressure on Russia is growing.”
“I will meet my friend Emmanuel (Macron),” Zelenskyy continued. “We will discuss the main points of bilateral relations.”
Second visit to Paris
For Zelenskyy, it is the second visit to Paris since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against his country. It was only at the beginning of February that he met Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had also traveled there. At the meeting, Zelenskyy asked for more military help to defend against the Russian invasion. Macron had assured him “support until victory”.
During his visit to Berlin on Sunday, Selenskyj thanked him for the help. At the same time, he asked for assistance in the delivery of modern fighter jets. Ukraine is working in European capitals to “create a fighter jet coalition,” Zelensky said on Sunday at a meeting with Scholz (SPD) in the Chancellery in Berlin. Scholz was reluctant to comment on this. Before his visit to Germany, Selenskyj traveled to Rome, where he met Pope Francis, among others.
Especially at the beginning of the war, Macron had distinguished himself through his attempts at mediation. Again and again he spoke with the Russian President Vladimir Putin and kept in close contact with Zelenskyj. In December he set up a conference on emergency winter aid in France. The Élysée Palace spoke on Sunday of a “trustful dialogue” between Macron and Zelenskyj, which the two could now continue and deepen.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
