US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were received at the Élysée by Emmanuel Macron for a tripartite meeting.
The President of the United States arrived this afternoon at the Élysée, welcomed by French Head of State Emmanuel Macron, on his first foreign visit since his election.
Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed « a productive discussion » about the « situation on the ground » and a « just peace » in Ukraine.
The future American president was received in the presidential palace by the Republican Guard in grand style, while Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed by the head of protocol of the Élysée Frédéric Billert.
Upon his arrival, Donald Trump exchanged a warm embrace and several handshakes with Emmanuel Macron, on the steps of the presidential palace. They then made some statements to the press inside the presidential palace.
Donald Trump said that « the world seems to be going a little crazy » during his meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, before the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
« It seems that the world is going a little crazy and we’re going to talk about it, » he said alongside the French president, with whom he has « excellent relations, » he assured.
The latter’s presence this weekend in Paris will be scrutinized for any clue that could provide information on his intentions regarding the foreign policy he will pursue from January 20, particularly around the Ukrainian question.
As possible negotiations around a ceasefire could emerge in the coming weeks, the question arises as to the role that Paris could play as a mediator, at a time when Volodymyr Zelensky is talking about the « end of the hot war » and the possibility of recovering the annexed territories by « diplomatic means ».
Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the costly American aid released in support of Ukraine, has promised to resolve the war between kyiv and Moscow « in one day », without ever indicating how. Unlike his predecessor, Joe Biden, he has not stated that it was essential to allow the victory of Ukraine, attacked by Russia in February 2022.
Emmanuel Macron, for his part, insists on the need to continue his support for Ukraine, currently in a weak position vis-à-vis Russia, to allow his president to negotiate with Moscow in the best possible conditions. For the time being, Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses any negotiation, convinced that he can take the advantage on the ground.
After their thirty-minute meeting, the three heads of state left the Elysée Palace together, posing for photographers from the steps of the presidential palace. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky exchanged a firm handshake before returning to their respective vehicles.
Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump also discussed the Middle East together, where events are jostling, between the fragile ceasefire in place in Lebanon since November 27, the continuation of the Israeli offensive in Gaza and the rebel offensive in Syria.
The convoys of Trump and Zelensky then headed one after the other towards Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, to attend the reopening ceremony of the religious building.
©2024 – IMPACT EUROPEAN
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