Zelensky to Meet Trump and Macron Ahead of Notre Dame Reopening

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to join President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron for a significant meeting ahead of the reopening ceremony for Notre Dame Cathedral, according to the Elysee Palace. The three leaders had initially planned separate, consecutive talks with Macron, but now the meeting will include all three.

The United States remains Ukraine’s largest provider of military aid as it continues its fight against Russia. Trump, however, has expressed doubts about the continuation of U.S. support, often stating that the war would never have started if he had been president. In a controversial remark last July, Trump claimed he could end the war in a single day, although he did not provide specifics on how he would achieve this.

Zelensky has been vocal about his desire to work “directly” with Trump, expressing openness to hearing the former president's proposals for resolving the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian leader also suggested that the war with Russia could end by next year, depending on the progress of diplomatic efforts.

The two leaders previously met in September at Trump Tower in New York. Zelensky described their talks as "warm, good, and constructive," and he remains hopeful about future negotiations with Trump on ending the war.

The upcoming meeting marks an important moment in international diplomacy, as Zelensky seeks to engage key world leaders in efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. With the war in its second year, Zelensky's continued outreach to major powers is a crucial part of Ukraine’s strategy for both military support and diplomatic solutions.