Macron to Host Zelensky in Paris to Strengthen Support for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
Paris, The Gulf Observer: French President Emmanuel Macron will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on November 17, marking Zelensky’s ninth visit to France since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Élysée Palace announced on Friday.
According to Macron’s office, the meeting aims to build on recent momentum in international support for Kyiv following last month’s gathering of Ukraine’s “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of countries led by France and the United Kingdom that coordinates military and financial assistance to Ukraine.
During the coalition’s October 24 meeting, European partners stressed the urgency of using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed this stance on Thursday, calling the use of immobilised Russian funds to secure a new loan for Kyiv the “most effective way” to finance support.
The European Commission has proposed leveraging Russian central bank assets frozen in Belgium to generate a €140-billion “reparations loan” for Ukraine. Under the proposal, the EU would lend the funds to Kyiv, which would only repay the loan if Russia ultimately pays reparations. However, Belgium has expressed strong reservations, citing concerns over potential legal consequences from Moscow.
Macron and Zelensky are also expected to discuss bilateral cooperation across several strategic sectors, including energy, defense, and economic resilience, as France continues to expand its support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Zelensky reported on Friday that Russia had launched approximately 430 drones and 18 missiles in large-scale overnight attacks, while Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk—an essential hub for the country’s oil exports—temporarily halted shipments following what Russian authorities described as a major Ukrainian drone operation.
The meeting in Paris is anticipated to reinforce France’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability amid Russia’s continued aggression.
