Key Takeaways
- French President Macron will host Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Paris for peace talks
- The meeting comes as US advances a Russia-leaning peace proposal
- Ukraine strikes Russian oil tankers in Black Sea using naval drones
French President Emmanuel Macron will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris for crucial discussions on achieving a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine. The meeting comes as the United States advances a controversial peace plan that heavily favors Russia.
A French presidential official confirmed the Monday meeting will focus on peace conditions. This development follows President Donald Trump’s release of a 28-point proposal to end the nearly four-year conflict.
US Peace Plan and European Concerns
The American proposal has prompted Zelenskyy to quickly engage with US negotiators. European leaders, concerned about Russian aggression, are scrambling to ensure their interests are accommodated in any peace deal.
Trump announced his plan had been “fine-tuned” and that he’s sending envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Putin and US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials. The former president suggested potential future meetings with both leaders, but only after further negotiation progress.
Diplomatic Stalemate Continues
European leaders have repeatedly accused Russia of stalling diplomatic efforts while attempting to overwhelm Ukraine’s smaller military forces. Kyiv has accepted multiple US ceasefire proposals this year, while Moscow continues to hold out for more favorable terms.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Tankers
In related developments, Ukraine used domestically produced Sea Baby naval drones to strike two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea. A Ukrainian security services official told The Associated Press that the tankers Kairos and Virat were part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” evading sanctions.
The vessels were struck in quick succession off Turkey’s Black Sea coast. The official stated these were sanctioned Western vessels and that Ukrainian intelligence continues “to take active steps to curtail Russia’s financial capabilities to wage war against Ukraine.”
