Zelensky to meet Macron in Paris

On Monday, July 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, participate in a meeting of the new anti-ballistic coalition, and later attend the summit of the Coalition of the willing.

This was reported by the Élysée Palace, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

According to the preliminary schedule, Macron will meet with Zelensky at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where bilateral talks will take place first.

Prior to the “coalition of the willing” summit, the first meeting of the anti-ballistic coalition will also take place, focusing on measures to protect Ukraine from ballistic threats, industrial cooperation, and the pooling of defense expertise among European countries and companies.

As a reminder, the head of state previously stated that Ukraine would present to its partners a project for the joint European production of the Freya system—a Ukrainian anti-ballistic system intended to be a cheaper and more widely available alternative to the Patriot system for intercepting ballistic targets. Eight countries have already joined the anti-ballistic coalition.

The summit of the coalition of willing nations, to be co-chaired by President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is scheduled for 5 p.m. local time. Earlier, the Élysée Palace reported that at least 25 heads of state and government are expected to attend.

“This meeting is intended to build upon and strengthen the agreements and convergence of positions achieved, in particular, during the G7 summit in Evian,” the French president’s office stated. This involves reaffirming support for Ukraine’s defense and increasing pressure on Russia’s military efforts, particularly by combating the Russian Federation’s shadow fleet.

The leaders also plan to discuss operational planning for security guarantees designed to ensure a lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine.

This meeting will take place on the eve of the military parade on July 14, to which the French president has invited all countries contributing to the coalition’s efforts.

As reported, 25 Ukrainian servicemen will participate in the military parade to be held on July 14 in Paris, on Bastille Day—the maximum number allowed for foreign partners. President Volodymyr Zelensky will be present in the presidential box.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine