Amid growing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Kyiv is pushing to ensure it has a direct role in any future negotiations between Washington and Moscow.
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed support for a ceasefire and peace talks after what he called a “long discussion” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders.
“I reiterated to the Ukrainian President France’s full support for establishing a ceasefire and launching discussions toward a solid and lasting solution that preserves Ukraine’s legitimate rights and guarantees its security and that of Europeans,” Macron said on social media.
His statement comes amid growing diplomatic manoeuvres over the conflict, with reports of a possible summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
But any progress remains uncertain, as Moscow continues to resist the idea of direct talks with Ukraine.
Putin’s reaction to Ukraine ceasefire proposals deepen G7 rifts over US strategy
Kyiv demands direct role in talks
The Kremlin said Putin was willing to attend a summit with Trump “in the coming days” but dismissed the possibility of Zelensky joining.
Zelensky pushed back in his nightly address on Thursday.
“It is only fair that Ukraine should be a participant in the negotiations,” he said. “Ukraine is an integral part of Europe – we are already in negotiations on EU accession. Therefore, Europe must be a participant in the relevant processes.”
Trump appeared to move away from earlier suggestions that a summit would require a meeting between Putin and Zelensky first.
When asked directly if such a meeting was needed, he replied: “No, he doesn’t.”
US special envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Moscow this week, but there has been no breakthrough on a ceasefire deal.
Previous talks between Ukraine and Russia have stalled. Moscow has demanded that Ukraine give up remaining territory and renounce Western backing.
