Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his openness to French President Emmanuel Macron participating in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, he underscored the necessity for a unified European approach in these discussions.
Speaking at a press conference during the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky acknowledged his awareness of Macron’s intentions to engage with Putin. “This is his decision; he informed me about his plans to conduct this conversation. Emmanuel has been very candid with me regarding this,” Zelensky stated.
While he did not raise objections to Macron’s involvement, Zelensky emphasized the importance of coordinated European negotiations with Russia. He remarked, “I believe Europe needs to determine how it wants to coordinate talks. In my view, Putin will play games with one, then another, and then a third, to divide Europe and offer each a ‘sweetener,’ creating the illusion that they have a decisive say.”
Zelensky also expressed disappointment that Europe has not engaged in negotiations with Russia in the format that the United States has adopted. Earlier reports indicated that Macron is actively involving other European leaders in efforts to revive dialogue with Putin.
This week, Macron has been discussing with European counterparts the demands to be presented to Putin. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the German population supports direct negotiations between the leader of the Christian Democratic Union, Friedrich Merz, and Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s potential engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while stressing the need for a coordinated European strategy. Zelensky’s comments highlight the complexities of European diplomacy amid ongoing tensions with Russia.