Trump's Request Leads to Urgent Ukraine Talks in Paris

In a significant diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron has organized urgent discussions in Paris regarding a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, responding to a direct request from US President Donald Trump. This meeting, attended by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is aimed at assessing the status of previous peace negotiations.

Despite the talks, there remains a prevailing skepticism in Paris regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's genuine intentions for peace. Following a recent missile strike in Sumy, Macron expressed doubts, stating that it was evident that Russia intends to continue its military actions.

Macron maintains frequent communication with Trump, attempting to clarify the American leader's assertion that Ukraine instigated the war, a claim that Macron has found challenging to correct. Witkoff's recent meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg highlighted the complex dynamics at play.

In a bid to ensure comprehensive discussions, the French government insisted that Ukrainian representatives also participate in the meeting at the Élysée Palace. Macron spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier in the day to confirm Ukraine's involvement. The Ukrainian delegation includes Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, alongside Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umierov, indicating a serious commitment from Ukraine to the negotiations.

These discussions are set against the backdrop of a coalition involving 30 EU and NATO nations, originally initiated by France and the UK. Should a ceasefire be reached, both France and the UK have indicated their readiness to deploy reassurance troops to Ukraine, tasked with deterring any violations of the ceasefire agreement, while the primary defense responsibility would remain with Ukrainian forces, supported logistically by European allies.

Following a lunch meeting in Paris, which will include Rubio and Witkoff, discussions will resume in the afternoon at the French Foreign Ministry. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who was previously in Marseille, is expected to engage with his counterparts, including UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. It remains uncertain whether Germany's acting Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will attend or how the new German government will be updated on the discussions.

The French administration has emphasized that the topics for discussion will extend beyond Ukraine. They have expressed concerns over the perception that the European Commission is not considered a key player in trade negotiations, especially as Trump has opted for bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Macron has also voiced strong opposition to Trump's controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza in an effort to create a 'Riviera' in the Middle East. Macron's initiative to recognize a Palestinian state in June is viewed as leverage against the White House.

Notably, there will not be a press conference following the talks, reflecting France's cautious approach to avoid being entangled in any American-Russian ceasefire plan that does not align with European interests. The White House has previously asserted that Putin is committed to peace, although substantial progress in negotiations has yet to be realized. A recent agreement for a thirty-day moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure is set to expire, with both sides accusing each other of violations.