Zelensky Presses for “Truly Lasting” Peace as Ukraine Navigates Complex Negotiations with Russia and Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored the urgent need for a “truly lasting” peace agreement during a pivotal visit to Paris, as diplomatic efforts intensify to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The summit with French President Emmanuel Macron focused on the status of intense negotiations, even as assessments grow that Russia is not actively seeking de-escalation.
Zelensky’s trip to France followed recent discussions between US and Ukrainian delegations in Florida and is set to be followed by a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, signaling a multi-pronged approach to finding a resolution. According to sources, Witkoff and Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov reconvened in Florida to continue dialogue, and subsequently engaged in conversations with a broad coalition of international leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, representatives from Germany, Poland, Italy, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Holland, as well as Antonio Costa, Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The Ukrainian presidential couple also participated in events at the Quai d’Orsay with Jean-Noël Barrot and Rachida Dati.
“During our talks that lasted several hours, Emmanuel Macron and I weighed many details,” Zelensky wrote on X. “The main focus was on negotiations to end the war and security guarantees. Peace must become truly lasting. The war must end as soon as possible. Much now depends on the involvement of each leader. Today we will also talk to other leaders.” Zelensky emphasized the importance of preventing further Russian aggression, stating, “We are working so that there is no third Russian aggression.” He added that achieving lasting peace requires a commitment from all partners to guarantee Ukraine’s security, independence, and sovereignty, acknowledging that “the process for defining a peace agreement is not finished and the territorial issue is the most difficult to resolve.”
Macron echoed the desire for peace, stating in a joint press conference that “The United States, like Ukraine, like all Europeans, want peace.” However, he stressed that Russia has not demonstrated any willingness to halt its aggression. He affirmed that Ukraine holds the sole authority to negotiate territorial matters, as they are recognized under international law. Macron also highlighted the necessity of including Ukraine, European allies, and the coalition of volunteers in discussions regarding security guarantees, and emphasized that decisions regarding frozen Russian assets require the participation of both the countries concerned and the European Union due to their exclusive competence in the matter. “The work for peace continues,” Macron affirmed.
Macron accused Russia of continuing to inflict destruction and casualties, citing recent attacks on Kyiv and Dnipro. He described Zelensky’s visit as occurring at a “decisive moment” for the future of peace in Ukraine and security in Europe, expressing support for Ukraine following the recent attacks that resulted in civilian casualties.
Further discussions are underway in Florida, with Witkoff scheduled to meet with Putin tomorrow. Zelensky is also slated to meet with Umerov in Ireland, while Witkoff travels to Moscow to engage with the Russian President. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the meeting between Putin and Witkoff will take place “in the second half” of tomorrow.
Zelensky underscored “the importance of constructive dialogue” after receiving a report from Umerov detailing the key parameters and preliminary results of the US-Ukraine meetings in Florida. He expressed gratitude to the United States, President Trump’s team, and President Trump himself for their investment in defining measures to end the war, stating, “We will continue to work. I look forward to receiving a full report from our team during a personal meeting.” According to reporting from Axios, the Miami negotiations centered on defining the de facto border between Ukraine and Russia under a potential peace agreement, with Ukrainian officials describing the five-hour meeting as “difficult” and “intense” but ultimately productive.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas argued that any limitations on military size should be applied to the Russian army, rather than the Ukrainian one, given the risk it poses to neighboring countries. “If there will be pressure on the Ukrainian army which has not invaded anyone, then there should be pressure on the Russian army too,” she stated, pointing to Russia’s history of invasions. Kallas also addressed concerns surrounding financing for Kyiv, noting that while Belgium has reservations about utilizing frozen Russian assets, other member states are willing to share the risk, and a resolution for financing Ukraine is expected at the December European Council.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, a sense of urgency prevails, with some observers suggesting this could be a “crucial week” for Ukraine’s future. However, Zelensky cautioned that Moscow “doesn’t want peace,” and emphasized Ukraine’s isolation in negotiations, stating that its position would be “much stronger” with European involvement.
Fighting continues in the Donetsk region, particularly around Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian forces have reportedly pushed back Russian military advances. The Institute for the Study of War reports that Russian forces are hampered by urban warfare and logistical challenges. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry claims to have captured the village of Klynove, a claim that has not been independently verified by Ukrainian officials. The death toll from a recent Russian missile attack on Dnipro has risen to four dead and 22 injured, highlighting the ongoing human cost of the conflict.
Adding another layer of complexity, the Russian intelligence service (FSB) announced the killing of a Ukrainian intelligence agent in Crimea who allegedly attempted to plant a bomb under the car of a Russian Defense Ministry official. The FSB claims to have thwarted a planned terrorist attack.
