Zelenskyy meets Macron in Paris on Friday
French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Élysée Palace in Paris this Friday, March 13, to discuss ways to increase pressure on Russia, according to the French television network BFM TV.
"The two leaders will discuss the current situation, the support from France and European partners to help Ukraine defend itself, as well as ways to increase pressure on Russia, specifically by countering its shadow fleet," the French president’s office told BFM TV on Thursday.
The presidents will also address the conditions for a "just and lasting peace" and review the commitments made within the "Coalition of the Willing" regarding security guarantees. This coalition, which held a meeting on February 24, includes 35 participant countries that have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine.
"As Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine enters its fifth year, and as Russia—facing military, strategic, and economic defeat—stubbornly refuses all ceasefire proposals, Ukraine continues its military resistance," the Élysée Palace stated.
Recent reports indicate that these discussions follow broader diplomatic efforts, including a meeting on January 6 where a declaration of intent was signed regarding the potential deployment of international forces to Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached. The upcoming meeting is expected to further refine the roles of the coalition members in providing multi-layered security guarantees.
