Macron-Zelenskyy Meeting in Paris: France to Boost Military and Economic Aid to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Élysée Palace in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine ahead of the summit of the ‘coalition of the willing.’ During their meeting, Macron is expected to confirm France’s commitment to increasing military and economic assistance to Ukraine, according to Le Monde. The leaders will dine together this evening as they prepare for tomorrow’s conference. Macron outlined the agenda: “We will finalize our work on short-term support for the Ukrainian army, ensuring a sustainable and resilient Ukrainian defense model to prevent Russian incursions, and explore security guarantees that European armies can provide.” The Paris summit on March 27 will gather Germany, Poland, the UK, and other coalition members committed to post-war Ukrainian security. Commenting on recent U.S.-Russia negotiations, sources close to Macron described agreements regarding the moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure, free navigation in the Black Sea, and port protection as positive but insufficient for a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. Regarding Turkey’s participation, which will not include President Erdoğan, France reiterated its call for the immediate release of İmamoğlu and emphasized its desire to engage with a democratic Turkey respecting European values. An international conference involving 31 countries supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia will focus on four operational points: continuing direct aid based on Ukraine’s needs, clarifying each country’s contributions, exploring a full and verifiable ceasefire, strengthening Ukraine’s mid- to long-term defense capabilities, and creating a future peacekeeping force impacting both Ukraine and Europe.