On December 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in France, where he held meetings with President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders to discuss peace initiatives and the future of negotiation efforts. The discussions emphasized the importance of involving new players, notably China, in the conflict resolution process.
Zelensky also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Particular attention was paid to the security situation and strengthening Ukraine’s defense. Ongoing talks with other world leaders, including the President of Finland, U.S. delegations, and upcoming official visits to Ireland, were also noted.
The frontlines in Ukraine remain tense. Russian missile attacks on Dnipro resulted in four deaths and 40 injuries, with damage reported to housing and critical infrastructure in several Ukrainian regions. Further drone and missile attacks occurred in Sumy, Chernihiv, Donetsk, and Kherson regions.
International support for Ukraine remains strong. France has started delivering a new weapons package, and European Union leaders are discussing security guarantees for both Ukraine and Europe. Special focus was also given to the potential NATO membership for Ukraine and related challenges.
French President Emmanuel Macron and President Zelensky underscored the need for a dignified peace and Ukraine's primacy in determining its borders. Concurrently, discussions on corruption in Ukraine continue. Macron highlighted the work of anti-corruption bodies, while Ukrainian authorities announced new steps in ongoing investigations.
European leaders and experts expressed concern about potential pressure on Ukraine during negotiations, especially regarding territorial concessions and questions concerning future borders. The international community also responded to incidents involving damage to Russian tankers in the Black and Baltic Seas, which led to a series of statements from European countries and Turkey.
All these events unfold against the backdrop of continued hostilities, attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, and ongoing diplomatic efforts aiming at peace.
