On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in Kyiv, where they addressed Russia’s military build-up along the Ukrainian border and its security implications for Europe.
Zelensky assured that Kyiv will remain patient and not respond to any provocation over the deteriorating security situation at its border, saying that this was the best approach Ukraine could take for its people and the people of Europe and Russia. Zelensky said that Ukraine’s “patience influences provocations,” noting that Moscow’s escalation is dependent on Kyiv’s patience.
Talking to journalists after the meeting, Zelensky called the talks with Macron “meaningful” and “very effective,” adding that they set a solid stage for future engagement over European security. Zelensky went on to thank Macron for his efforts in promoting a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and added that Kyiv and Paris share a common vision over European security challenges.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted that France is giving over $1.3 billion of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine to bolster the country’s economic stability. Moreover, Zelensky hailed growing cooperation between the two countries and announced a military-technical deal between the Ukrainian company Ukroboronprom and the French company Thales.
Macron welcomed Zelensky’s remarks, underscoring that France appreciates Ukraine’s display of restraint despite increasing Russian hostilities, saying, “The calm that you demonstrate […] both in words and in actions, are indispensable.” Although Macron did not announce any major breakthroughs over the security situation in Ukraine, he pushed for more diplomatic engagement, saying that the crisis cannot be solved in just a few meetings.
Macron expressed his desire to restore peace in Europe, stressing that “France and Germany will play a mediating role in resolving the conflict in the format of the Normandy Four.” Macron emphasised the need to create a sustainable political solution to the problem that is rooted in shared understanding of peace among the parties involved.
Macron’s meeting with Zelensky comes after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin a day earlier. After his meeting with Macron, Putin said that Russia is willing to compromise over Ukraine, adding that Macron’s security proposal was promising. Macron relayed Putin’s assurances to France’s allies and Ukraine. However, Zelensky remained unconvinced by Macron’s assurances, saying, “I do not really trust words, I believe that every politician can be transparent by taking concrete steps.”
After meeting with Zelensky, Macron also met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, after which both leaders told reporters, “Our common goal is to prevent a war in Europe.” France’s diplomatic engagement with Russia and Ukraine come after Washington’s talks with Moscow regarding Putin’s security proposal ended in a deadlock.
In the last few months, the West has continued to raise concerns over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. Putin has warned that Moscow is ready to retaliate with “military-technical measures” if the US and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) fail to provide Moscow with substantial guarantees with respect to Russia’s security.