The Elysee Palace stated that the meeting will reaffirm “France’s commitment to standing with Ukraine” in the conflict that erupted in February 2022, which Moscow describes as a “special military operation” to halt NATO’s further expansion toward Russia’s borders, while the West labels it “aggression with expansionist aims.”

The Presidency noted that the meeting will also underscore long-term support for Kiev, in the context of the backing provided by the voluntary coalition, a mechanism of more than 30 nations, mostly European, led by France and the United Kingdom, which Russia accuses of involvement in the war.

Among the actions promoted by the coalition that are generating the most tension are the security guarantees, particularly the deployment of troops on Ukrainian soil once a ceasefire is reached, a presence that Moscow considers unacceptable.

Zelensky is demanding more weapons from the volunteer coalition and the United States for a conflict in which the search for peace appears to have stalled, with both sides accusing the other of a lack of will to halt hostilities.

abo/iff/otf/wmr