Senior diplomatic figures from the United States and Europe are meeting in Paris today to discuss coordinated efforts to bring the war in Ukraine to an end, amid growing pressure for a ceasefire following a series of deadly Russian attacks.
The talks are being hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and represent the most senior transatlantic dialogue on the conflict since February. Attendees include Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
The UK’s National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, along with European foreign ministers and national security officials, are also participating. A separate meeting involving foreign ministers will be attended by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said the meetings are addressing critical security issues for both Ukraine and Europe.
Nonetheless, Trump’s team has since made efforts to improve relations with Moscow, while continuing to pursue a potential ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine must be a party to any peace agreement, and has refused to consider terms negotiated without Kyiv’s involvement.
The talks are being hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and represent the most senior transatlantic dialogue on the conflict since February. Attendees include Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
The UK’s National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, along with European foreign ministers and national security officials, are also participating. A separate meeting involving foreign ministers will be attended by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
EU Calls for Tougher US Pressure on Moscow
Ahead of the summit, European diplomats signaled their desire for the US to take a stronger stance against Russia, pushing for increased pressure on the Kremlin to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.The discussions come just days after a Russian missile strike on Sumy killed at least 35 civilians and wounded over 100. Other recent attacks include a strike on Kryvyi Rih, which left 18 dead, and a drone attack on Dnipro that killed three people, including a child.
Ceasefire Talks Amid Rising Civilian Toll
According to the US State Department, the Paris talks will focus on the next steps to bring an end to the fighting, with Witkoff expected to share details of his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said the meetings are addressing critical security issues for both Ukraine and Europe.
Tensions Between Kyiv and Washington
While Trump has previously claimed he could resolve the war “within 24 hours”, tensions have risen between his administration and the Ukrainian government. In February, a tense exchange at the White House saw Trump criticize Zelensky for not initiating peace talks earlier.Nonetheless, Trump’s team has since made efforts to improve relations with Moscow, while continuing to pursue a potential ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia.
Russia Dismisses Western Efforts
The Kremlin, however, dismissed the Paris talks as misguided. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Western leaders of being more focused on "prolonging the war" than securing peace.Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine must be a party to any peace agreement, and has refused to consider terms negotiated without Kyiv’s involvement.
