PARIS: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Paris on Sunday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron after accepting a prize on behalf of his country for its fight for “European ideals” during a visit to Germany.
Upon his arrival at the Villacoublay airbase southwest of Paris, Zelensky tweeted, “Paris. With each visit, Ukraine’s offensive and defense capabilities are expanding. The relations with Europe are getting stronger, and the pressure on Russia is growing.”
Shortly after, Macron welcomed Zelensky to the Elysee Palace, marking their second meeting since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Zelensky wrote on Telegram, “Every day we are bringing peace closer for all Europeans and Ukrainians,” along with a video of the welcoming ceremony.
According to Macron’s office, the two leaders would discuss France’s support in addressing “Ukraine’s urgent humanitarian and military needs” during a dinner at the presidential palace. The statement added that Macron would reaffirm France and Europe’s unwavering support in restoring Ukraine’s legitimate rights and defending its fundamental interests.
Zelensky’s visit to Paris came hours after European leaders in Germany presented him with a prize on behalf of the Ukrainian people for their fight for freedom and values within the bloc.
Ursula von der Leyen, the EU chief, stated during the Charlemagne award ceremony in Aachen, “Ukraine incarnates everything the EU idea is living for: the fight for values and freedom, the courage of convictions, the commitment to peace and unity.” She emphasized that Ukraine’s fight was also a fight for the freedom and values of Europe.
Ukraine is part of European family
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz noted that Russia’s war on Ukraine had solidified the realization that Ukraine is part of the European family. Zelensky received the prize while on his first trip to Germany since Russia’s invasion, following meetings with Italian leaders and Pope Francis in Rome.
The diplomatic tour precedes an EU summit in Reykjavik and a gathering of G7 leaders in Japan. Zelensky was greeted with extended standing ovations at the Aachen ceremony, where EU leaders vowed to support Ukraine on its path to joining the bloc.
Germany considered a true friend and reliable ally to Ukraine, announced a new military package worth 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion) for Kyiv, the largest yet, which Zelensky hailed as a powerful support. Berlin has become the second-largest supplier of tanks, rockets, and anti-missile systems to Ukraine after the United States.
Ukrainian forces have been receiving training and stockpiling Western-supplied munitions and hardware necessary for reclaiming territory captured by Russia. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Germany’s support and indicated he would urge Scholz to back Ukraine’s request for fighter jet deliveries.
On the front line, Ukrainian forces reportedly captured over 10 Russian positions near the town of Bakhmut, while Russia claimed that two of its military commanders were killed in combat. The head of the private Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, criticized the Russian army for inaction in the area.
Meanwhile, Moscow announced that Russian forces had targeted Western arm depots and Ukrainian troops in the cities of Ternopil and Petropavlivka.
