Zelensky and Macron at the Élysée Palace on December 1Image source: Stephane De Sakutin/AFP/Getty Images
(Deutsche Welle) On Monday (December 1), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Élysée Palace to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. The nearly four-year war in Ukraine is reaching a juncture, with Kyiv and Moscow considering a peace plan proposed by the Trump administration .
Zelensky's last visit to Paris was on November 17. Last Friday, the residence of Zelensky's chief of staff, Yirmak, was searched by anti-corruption agencies, and Yirmak subsequently resigned . This has further complicated the situation.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday afternoon.
Previously, U.S. and Ukrainian officials held talks in Florida . Following the talks, Trump expressed optimism, saying a compromise was possible. Secretary of State Rubio, who also participated in the talks, emphasized that "there is still much work to be done."
German Foreign Minister Waldfol also expressed cautious optimism, saying, "We are entering a crucial week."
Three points of contention
Following talks in Florida, the Ukrainian side indicated significant progress but provided no details. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umjerow, stated, "Our most important objectives—security, sovereignty, and a reliable peace—remain unchanged, and the US side agrees with them." He anticipates further consultations to reach a common framework.
According to DRG, media reporters present at the Florida talks reported three main points of contention: first, security guarantees for Ukraine to ensure the country would not be attacked again within two years of the ceasefire; second, Ukraine's desire to join NATO; and third, the issue of territorial cession.
On Monday, defense ministers from EU member states will meet in Brussels, with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska also expected to attend. The meeting will discuss the most pressing needs in Ukraine's fight against Russia, as well as financial and military support for Ukraine. In addition, EU defense ministers will discuss several projects to enhance the EU's overall defense capabilities.
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