Zelenskyy Outlines Key Priorities in Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that maintaining sovereignty and securing strong security guarantees are Ukraine's top priorities in any peace talks. He made the comments during a visit to Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron as diplomatic efforts intensify around ending the war.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Macron, Zelensky expressed hope for talks with US President Donald Trump after Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff visits Russia. The Ukrainian leader's comments signal Ukraine's firm stance on key issues as various international players work to broker negotiations.

Macron emphasized that any peace plan to end the Ukrainian crisis cannot succeed without Kyiv and Europeans "around the table." The French president pointed out that American mediators will head to Moscow in the coming hours, but stressed that Europe must be part of the process.

"This can only be accomplished with Europeans present at the table. So we're still in the preliminary stage," Macron said, highlighting the complex diplomatic dance required to bring all parties together.

The meeting in Paris comes at a critical moment as Trump's administration appears ready to engage more directly in peace efforts. But Zelensky's emphasis on sovereignty and security guarantees suggests Ukraine won't accept any deal that compromises its territorial integrity or leaves it vulnerable to future aggression.

For European leaders like Macron, the stakes are equally high. Any peace agreement that excludes European input could undermine the continent's security architecture and leave NATO allies dealing with long-term instability on their doorstep.