Zillar Barta Desk : French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York during the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly, with discussions expected to focus on Ukraine’s defence, energy infrastructure and efforts toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Macron said France and the United States would work together to push for a moratorium on attacks against energy facilities and Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. He stressed that civilian populations must be protected and called for serious negotiations on the conditions for peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Before his meeting with Zelenskyy, Macron held talks with US President Donald Trump. According to reports, Macron said the two leaders discussed the need to help Ukraine strengthen its defence, particularly by providing more interceptors. Macron also said the issue of halting attacks on energy infrastructure would be raised in his meeting with Zelenskyy.
The Macron-Zelenskyy meeting comes as world leaders gather in New York for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet Trump, with Ukraine’s security, energy infrastructure and possible steps toward de-escalation among the issues surrounding the talks.
Macron has repeatedly argued that European countries should continue supporting Ukraine while pursuing diplomatic efforts for a lasting settlement. His latest discussions in New York are therefore expected to combine military and humanitarian support with efforts to reduce attacks on critical infrastructure.
The meetings take place against the backdrop of continuing fighting and renewed diplomatic efforts involving the United States, France and Ukraine.
