Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on December 1, 2025, to discuss ongoing peace negotiations and security guarantees. In a joint press conference, they emphasized the need to include Ukraine and Europeans in any final plan. Zelensky warned that Russia must not see its invasion as a reward.
Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Élysée on December 1, 2025, for his tenth visit to France since Russia's 2022 invasion. Welcomed by Emmanuel Macron, he held talks on the military situation, diplomatic efforts, and security guarantees, with European and American partners present.
In the joint press conference, Macron stated: « Security guarantees cannot be discussed without Ukraine » and « without its European allies, as it also concerns Europe's security ». He added that work on these guarantees is finalized, but no complete peace plan exists yet, especially on territories, which only Zelensky can finalize. Zelensky affirmed: « We want to end this war in a dignified way, in the long-term interests of the democratic world » and called for the conflict's swift end.
Zelensky warned of Russian advances, particularly in Pokrovsk, claimed captured by Moscow, and Russian losses: « Russia lost a lot in October, we count 25,000 dead ». He stressed the need for stronger sanctions, with Macron announcing a new package against Russian oil and shadow fleet. On Ukraine's corruption, Macron refused to « give lessons », noting the fight works in Kyiv unlike in Moscow.
Meanwhile, talks in Florida between Ukrainian negotiator Roustem Oumerov and US envoy Steve Witkoff made « significant progress », though adjustments are needed. The White House expressed being « very optimistic ». Witkoff is set to meet Vladimir Putin on December 2 in Moscow. Zelensky later visited Dassault Aviation in Cergy-Pontoise and plans a trip to Ireland the next day.
Europeans, through Jean-Noël Barrot, reiterated that talks do not exclude them, having amended the US 28-point plan to include security guarantees.