Macron: Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy talks could be held in Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Wednesday that any decisions regarding Ukraine’s territorial boundaries can only be made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking after a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron underscored that no other leader has the authority to negotiate such matters.

Macron also expressed hope that a meeting involving Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Zelenskyy could take place in Europe, ideally in a neutral country acceptable to all sides. He emphasized that any peace agreement must go beyond territorial considerations, incorporating lasting security guarantees to ensure stability in Ukraine.

Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Stronger Sanctions

Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy reiterated his demand for an “immediate ceasefire” as a priority topic in the upcoming meeting between Putin and Trump, scheduled this week in Alaska. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, the Ukrainian leader warned that if Russia refuses to halt its offensive, existing sanctions must not only remain in place but be reinforced.

Zelenskyy also accused Moscow of escalating military pressure ahead of the Alaska talks, telling his U.S. and European counterparts, “Putin does not want peace.” His comments follow Ukraine’s acceptance in March of a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, which Russia rejected.

Trump’s Mediation Efforts and International Stance

Trump confirmed his interest in arranging a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin, though no date or location beyond the Alaska session has been confirmed. The U.K. government, meanwhile, reaffirmed its stance against altering borders through force, stressing that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be safeguarded by strong, credible security assurances as part of any settlement.

These developments highlight an increasingly complex diplomatic landscape, with Western allies seeking a united front while balancing direct engagement with Russia. The success of any upcoming talks may depend on whether Moscow is willing to halt hostilities and engage in genuine negotiations, a prospect Kyiv continues to view with deep skepticism.