Zelensky Arrives in Paris for Talks with Macron on Increasing Pressure on Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Paris on Friday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron aimed at intensifying pressure on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Zelensky’s spokesperson, Sergiy Nykyforov, confirmed that the Ukrainian leader had already arrived in the French capital, noting that both presidents were scheduled to meet in the early afternoon and later address the media during a joint press conference.

The visit comes at a time when peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, facilitated by the United States, have stalled amid the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran.

Earlier this week, the Kremlin criticised the planned meeting, arguing that attempts to increase pressure on Russia would undermine the prospects for negotiations and describing the idea as “absurd”.

According to the French presidency, discussions between Macron and Zelensky will focus on tightening sanctions against Russia, particularly by targeting its so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers believed to be used to transport oil in violation of international sanctions imposed following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Zelensky’s trip to Paris came a day after he visited Romania, where he strengthened defence cooperation with authorities in Bucharest and agreed to begin joint drone production.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, displacing millions of people and causing heavy military and civilian casualties on both sides.