During a trilateral meeting marking the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, President Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for a fair peace in Ukraine, alongside U.S. President Trump and French President Macron. The discussions highlighted the importance of strong security assurances and the desire for a swift end to the conflict. Amidst the backdrop of the cathedral’s restoration, Austria’s Chancellor Nehammer proposed his country as a neutral venue for future peace talks, while Macron faced domestic leadership challenges.
Seeking Fair Peace Amid Global Chaos
During a trilateral meeting on Saturday, held in honor of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, President Zelenskyy emphasized the universal desire for peace while highlighting the necessity for it to be equitable for all parties involved. His discussions with U.S. President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron pointed to the importance of addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with fairness and strong security assurances.
Zelenskyy took to social media following his meeting with Trump and Macron, describing it as “good and productive.” He expressed the collective hope for a swift end to the war, advocating for a dialogue that focuses on achieving a “just peace.” The talks revolved around the current situation on the ground and the various avenues for establishing lasting peace.
Historic Reopening of Notre Dame and Diplomatic Discussions
The backdrop of the meeting was the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which had suffered significant damage from a fire in 2019. The restoration, funded by a global donation effort amounting to 846 million euros, was a momentous occasion that brought together around 40 world leaders, including Trump, Macron, and Zelenskyy. U.S. President Joe Biden was represented by his wife, Jill Biden.
During the meeting, Trump remarked on the increasing turmoil in the world, stating, “It seems that the world is getting a little crazy right now.” Macron used this significant event as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the U.S., Ukraine, and France towards peace and security. Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for robust security guarantees to prevent future aggression against Ukraine.
Amidst these discussions, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also met with Zelenskyy, proposing Austria as a neutral location for peace negotiations. He expressed gratitude for the depth of the conversation, indicating Austria’s readiness to support Ukraine further, especially in winter energy security and protection against Russian aggression.
As the evening progressed, Macron hosted a dinner for the visiting dignitaries at the Élysée Palace, amidst increasing domestic pressure for his leadership. Following the collapse of Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government, Macron faces challenges that may lead to appointing a new prime minister in the coming days.