Zelensky arrives in Paris, meets Macron ahead of security guarantees summit with 'Coalition of the Willing'
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with additional comments from President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Paris on Sept. 3 ahead of a high-level meeting of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," where participating nations are expected to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.
The meeting, scheduled for Sept. 4, will be held in a hybrid format — both in person and online — and will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Ahead of the broader talks, Zelensky held a bilateral meeting with Macron. Before that, the two leaders spoke at a joint press conference, during which Macron reaffirmed Europe's commitment to supporting Ukraine.
"We are ready to provide political support for these agreements," Macron said, referring to security guarantees that could be formalized once a peace agreement is reached.
Zelensky thanked France for its continued backing, underscoring Europe's desire for peace. Yet, Russia is "not showing any signals" that it wants to end the war, Zelensky added.
"But I am confident that our alliance with Europe and the U.S. will help us increase pressure on Russia to move toward a diplomatic solution to this complex issue, which is so important for peace in Ukraine," Zelensky said.
Zelensky's discussion with Macron focused on preparatory work regarding security guarantees and continued defense support for Kyiv.
"I believe that our work will bring strong security guarantees for Ukraine. We are all working on this," he wrote on Telegram following the talks.
The leaders also discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia, finding opportunities to use frozen Russian assets, and Ukraine's path to the European Union. The meeting marks Zelensky's eighth visit to Paris since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in late August that Washington has begun coordinating with European allies and Kyiv to develop a new security guarantee framework for Ukraine.
The model was expected to be finalized within 7 to 10 days following a high-level meeting at the White House on Aug. 18, which included European leaders, Zelensky, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Rubio and Ukrainian Presidential Office Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak also discussed security guarantees during an advisers' meeting on Aug. 22.
That same day, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, visiting Kyiv, said the agreement would include two key components: bolstering the Ukrainian Armed Forces and providing U.S. and European guarantees aimed at deterring future Russian aggression.
On Aug. 24, U.S. Vice President JD Vance clarified that the security commitments would not involve deploying American troops to Ukraine.
