Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Paris today, where he held several meetings with key international leaders. Among the most notable was a historic trilateral meeting with newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
During the talks, the leaders addressed critical issues, including security, the battlefield situation, and pathways to achieving a just peace for Ukraine. Zelensky described the meeting as productive:
“A good and productive meeting with President Trump and President Macron. President Trump remains as determined as ever. Thank you for that. Also, thank you to President Macron for hosting this meeting in Paris. We discussed our people, the battlefield situation, and a just peace for Ukraine. We all want to end this war as quickly and fairly as possible,” he wrote on Telegram.
The meeting lasted 35 minutes and concluded with a shared commitment to continue working toward peace. Zelensky emphasized:
“Peace through strength is possible!”
The Restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Symbol of Unity
In the evening, Zelensky, Trump, and Macron joined other world leaders for the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral, restored after the devastating fire five years ago. The event symbolized unity and the capacity for recovery even in the face of adversity.
Trump’s Remarks: Russia Weakens Amid Losses in Ukraine
Donald Trump, commenting on recent developments in Syria, highlighted Russia’s declining strength due to its ongoing aggression in Ukraine:
“Russia, so focused on Ukraine and having lost over 600,000 soldiers there, seems unable to halt the march through Syria, a country it has defended for years. But this is not our war.”
This statement underscores how Russia’s prolonged aggression against Ukraine has not only been disastrous for its military but has also weakened its influence on other global fronts.
New U.S. Military Aid Package: $988 Million in Support
Amid the diplomatic efforts, the United States announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $988 million. The package includes:
- Ammunition for HIMARS systems;
- Unmanned aerial systems (UAS);
- Equipment, components, and spare parts for the maintenance and repair of artillery systems, tanks, and armored vehicles.
This aid will enable Ukraine to maintain its effective resistance against Russian aggression, ensuring a high tempo of operations on the battlefield.
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