Zelensky’s Advisor and Senator Rubio Converge in Paris for Discussions on the Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Top officials from Ukraine and the United States are gathered in Paris for crucial discussions with an EU delegation, focusing on various pressing matters, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the possibility of a ceasefire.
Upon their arrival, Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, shared on social media, “I have just landed in Paris. We arrived together with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.” He also mentioned that they would be meeting with representatives from France, Germany, the UK, and the United States, although he did not specify who would be present.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also in Paris, as confirmed by State Department officials, along with Keith Kellogg, who served as President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine.
The ongoing war in Ukraine is a central focus of this diplomatic engagement, amidst dwindling efforts to urge Russia to agree to a ceasefire. “We are committed to continuing our efforts until we achieve a peaceful resolution,” Rubio asserted in response to the escalating situation. He and Kellogg also plan to address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program and various conflicts in the Middle East during their talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, according to a French diplomatic source.
While no specific proposals have emerged from these talks, Kellogg met with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week to advance President Trump’s initiative for a ceasefire. Prior to taking office, Trump had vowed to swiftly end the conflict that erupted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, expressing frustration with Moscow’s ongoing tactics. Recently, however, Kellogg shared optimism, stating, “I still see a peace deal emerging,” following his latest meeting with Putin.
Tragically, at least 34 individuals lost their lives in a Russian strike on the city of Sumy last weekend, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
This marks Rubio’s third trip to Europe as the top US diplomat, having previously attended the Munich Security Conference and a NATO meeting within the last few months. The intensifying situation in Ukraine has grown increasingly critical for European nations, especially after recent missile strikes from Russia that resulted in numerous civilian casualties.
In response to the continuing violence, Barrot remarked, “Mr. Putin has once again shown that his cruelty is limitless and that he has no intention of initiating a ceasefire,” dismissing proposals by both the US and Ukraine last month.
Although European nations were taken aback by Trump’s initial overtures to strengthen ties with Russia, they are now striving for a unified European approach focused on the protection of Ukraine, both during the ongoing conflict and in any future ceasefire negotiations. The UK and France have suggested the establishment of a primarily European “reassurance” force, poised to provide support to Ukraine if a ceasefire comes into effect. However, many European leaders feel that such efforts would necessitate backing from the US.
The State Department has indicated that Rubio and Kellogg’s meetings with European officials aim to advance Trump’s objective of halting the war in Ukraine. A French diplomatic source confirmed that discussions would center on “the war in Ukraine, the Middle East situation, and the Iranian nuclear file.”
In Rome, a second round of indirect talks between the US and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear program is scheduled for Saturday. These discussions have taken on added significance following warnings from Rafael Grossi, head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, that Iran is “not far” from acquiring nuclear capability.
Meanwhile, discussions to resolve the conflict in Gaza remain stalled, as humanitarian aid is currently blocked from entering Palestinian territories by Israel. The UN reports that Gaza is experiencing its most severe humanitarian crisis since the war began in October 2023, following the Hamas attacks.
Separately, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu will be visiting the US to confer with American Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with conversations expected to revolve around Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza. Lecornu is also scheduled to meet with National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard and Keith Kellogg, highlighting the importance of maintaining a coordinated approach to these pressing issues.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
