Paris [France], December 8: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris ahead of the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral, scheduled for today. The meeting focused on strengthening alliances and fostering peace as leaders gathered to commemorate the restoration of the iconic landmark.
The Notre Dame Cathedral, a symbol of French heritage, is set to reopen on Sunday after five years of meticulous restoration following the devastating fire on April 15, 2019. French President Macron had pledged to restore the Gothic masterpiece within five years, a promise that has now been fulfilled.
Taking to X, Zelenskyy shared details of the trilateral discussion at the Élysée Palace. “I had a good and productive trilateral meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and President @EmmanuelMacron. We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. Peace through strength is possible,” Zelenskyy wrote, thanking both leaders for their support and commitment.
Macron echoed these sentiments in a post, emphasizing the unity between the United States, Ukraine, and France. “Together on this historic day, gathered for Notre Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security,” Macron stated.
Earlier, Macron warmly welcomed Trump, reinforcing the strong relationship between France and the United States. “Welcome @realDonaldTrump. Proud of the friendship between the United States and France. There are so many challenges for us to face together,” Macron wrote on X.
Zelenskyy Strengthens Regional Diplomacy
During his visit, Zelenskyy also met with other global leaders, including Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili and Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, to discuss shared security concerns and regional stability.
Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s solidarity with Georgia, stating, “Respecting the will of the Georgian people and preventing Ivanishvili’s government from surrendering the country to Putin is essential for the stability of the Black Sea region and Europe.” He assured Zourabichvili of Ukraine’s commitment to coordinating a systemic international response to Russian influence.
In his meeting with Nehammer, Zelenskyy discussed Austria’s continued support for Ukraine, focusing on bolstering Ukraine’s energy systems during the winter and resisting Russian aggression. He also invited Austria to join the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine and sign a bilateral agreement for long-term assistance.
“Together, we must force Russia to establish a lasting and just peace,” Zelenskyy wrote after the meeting.
The series of high-profile meetings underscores Ukraine’s proactive diplomatic efforts to strengthen alliances and garner support in its ongoing fight for sovereignty and regional stability.