A fundamental principle emerged from hours of intensive discussions between French and Ukrainian leaders in Paris. Emmanuel Macron declared that only Ukraine possesses the authority to make decisions about its territories during peace negotiations with Russia, establishing a clear position against any imposed settlement.
The French president coupled this declaration with an insistence that Europeans must participate directly in negotiating table discussions. Macron stressed that European presence is essential to ensure proper security guarantees for Ukraine are established as part of any peace framework.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed this strong statement of support during his diplomatic push through European capitals. The Ukrainian president emphasized that Russia must not perceive any outcome as a reward for launching its invasion, setting a firm red line for acceptable negotiating outcomes.
Their several-hour meeting focused intensively on two main areas: the mechanics of potential peace negotiations and the specific security arrangements that would need to accompany any settlement. Both leaders then participated in a joint call with American envoys to coordinate positions ahead of the Moscow discussions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reinforced the European consensus following his own consultation with Zelenskyy. Speaking alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Merz stated there must be no dictated peace in Ukraine. He articulated what he called a clear course of action requiring that no decisions about Ukraine and Europe be made without Ukrainian and European participation.