PARIS: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said that a ceasefire with Russia was not under discussion with European allies and called for more Western military and financial support ahead of a tough winter during his lightning tour of four capitals.
The comments came during a rapid tour of four European capitals, including London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin, where Zelensky sought to strengthen support amid concerns over shifting global alliances.
Speaking after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Zelensky firmly rejected rumors that negotiations for a ceasefire were underway with Moscow.
“This is not the topic of our discussions,” Zelensky told reporters, denouncing the claims as Russian disinformation.
The Ukrainian leader reiterated that any peace plan must involve a complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, a stance he has consistently maintained since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Zelensky also expressed gratitude to Macron for France’s continued support, as the two leaders discussed Ukraine’s “victory plan” and the strategies needed to defeat Russia in the coming weeks.
“Before winter, we need your support,” Zelensky said, referencing a “difficult situation” on the eastern frontlines.
Although Macron did not provide extensive details, he confirmed the discussion focused on Ukraine’s next moves. He reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression, stressing that France stands firmly behind Ukraine’s fight.
Zelensky’s visit to Paris followed talks in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. In those meetings, Zelensky outlined the specifics of Ukraine’s military strategy to achieve what he termed a “just end” to the war.
Starmer emphasized the importance of maintaining broad-based support for Ukraine and cautioned against focusing solely on specific weapons, such as long-range missiles.
Zelensky has been advocating for the approval to use long-range weapons, including British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, to target military installations within Russia.
While Washington and London have been hesitant, fearing it could escalate the conflict and pull NATO members directly into the war, Rutte acknowledged Ukraine’s legal right to defend itself but noted the decision ultimately rests with individual allies.
