In a potential breakthrough, US, European and Ukrainian leaders meeting in Paris have hailed a renewed push to end the war in Ukraine as a constructive step toward peace. France said the talks marked the start of a “positive process” and confirmed a follow-up summit in London next week.
The high-level meeting on Thursday was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and brought together US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US envoy Steve Witkoff, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German officials and Ukrainian ministers.
Talks focused on building a coordinated diplomatic effort to end a war now entering its third year. France welcomed the involvement of European powers and stressed the need for unity.
“Today in Paris, we launched a positive process with the Europeans at the table,” said the French presidency.
A second round of talks will take place next week in London, with the same key participants: the US, France, Britain, Germany and Ukraine.
The talks came as President Donald Trump’s own push for peace has hit turbulence, with Russia's President Vladimir Putin continuing to resist a full ceasefire.
Shortly after the Paris meeting, Rubio spoke by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to securing a lasting peace.
“President Trump and the United States want this war to end,” said Rubio. “The encouraging response to our framework in Paris shows that peace is achievable – if all sides are truly committed."
Moscow, for its part, expressed cautious optimism. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s openness to continued dialogue, with both parties agreeing to maintain swift lines of communication ahead of the London talks.
Macron to meet Trump aides in Paris for talks on Ukraine ceasefire
A seat for Europe at the table
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has sparred with Trump over the direction of US diplomacy, welcomed the involvement of European powers.
His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, publicly thanked Macron for “his efforts in securing a just and lasting peace”.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot underscored the significance of the meeting: “For the first time, American, Ukrainian, and European leaders sat around the same table. Europe must be part of the solution”.
Barrot later noted that Washington now recognises that a stable peace cannot be achieved without Europe’s active contribution.
Not everyone was so enthusiastic, however. The Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the Paris summit, claiming it was merely another call to prolong the conflict.
Meanwhile, concerns persist about the direction of US diplomacy after Trump’s unilateral discussions with Putin caused unease among allies.
Macron to meet Trump aides in Paris for talks on Ukraine ceasefire
New strikes underscore urgency
Even as diplomats spoke of peace, violence continues on the ground in Ukraine.
Overnight Russian strikes killed two and injured dozens in Kharkiv and Sumy, highlighting the urgent need for progress.
Tensions flared recently after Zelensky accused US envoy Witkoff of echoing Russian rhetoric, especially regarding occupied Ukrainian territories.
“It’s dangerous,” said Zelensky, warning that Witkoff’s words risked legitimising Moscow’s stance.
Putin remains defiant, having rejected a full ceasefire last month and floated the idea of replacing Zelensky – an idea that drew a sharp rebuke from Trump, who called the proposal “deeply unacceptable”.
Meanwhile, in Washington, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu met US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who encouraged France to bolster its military contributions to Europe’s defence.
