Macron Trump Zelensky/ Paris trilateral talks/ Notre Dame reopening/ Ukraine war/ U.S.-France relations/ PARIS/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a trilateral meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on Saturday. Held ahead of the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening, the talks focused on Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Trump pledged to end the war swiftly but offered no specifics, raising concerns in Kyiv about his approach. Macron emphasized unity while balancing diplomatic ties with both leaders.
Macron, Trump, Zelensky: Quick Looks
- Trilateral Meeting: Macron proposed the summit to address the Ukraine war amid questions about Trump’s stance.
- Symbolic Venue: Talks were held at the Élysée Palace ahead of Notre Dame’s reopening ceremony.
- Pledges and Concerns: Trump vowed to end the Ukraine war but left details unclear, worrying Kyiv.
- Renewed Relations: Macron seeks to rebuild ties with Trump after strained first-term relations.
- Security Measures: Paris heightened security for Trump’s visit and the international VIP gathering.
Macron Hosts Trump and Zelensky for Trilateral Talks in Paris
Deep Look
Diplomacy on Display
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Élysée Palace for trilateral talks on Saturday. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening, was a mix of diplomatic urgency and ceremonial grandeur.
Macron proposed the last-minute meeting, reflecting his efforts to ensure U.S. support for Ukraine under Trump’s presidency. Trump’s campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine swiftly, without clarifying terms, has left Kyiv wary of potential compromises.
Trump, the once and future American president, said when he arrived at the Elysee Palace for a face-to-face meeting with Macron — soon expanded to include Zelenskyy — that the two would be discussing a world that’s gone “a little crazy.”
Trump spent about 90 minutes at the palace, meeting first with Macron before they were joined by Zelenskyy for about 35 minutes. The three walked out together and stood in a row with Macron in the middle. Trump waved at photographers before he shook Zelenskyy’s hand, exchanged words and left.
Macron had planned to meet with Zelenskyy, and the French president’s office said the three-way meeting was proposed by Macron and arranged shortly before Trump’s arrival. Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.
Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating a relationship since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris last month. But Macron’s office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not now in office had been invited as well.
Trump was invited as president-elect of a “friendly nation,” Macron’s office said, adding, “This is in no way exceptional, we’ve done it before.”
The red carpet treatment, however, was a sign of how eager both Macron and other European leaders are to win Trump’s favor and placate him even before he takes office.
Trump, who was joined in Paris by a small contingent of staff that included incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, is known to revel in pomp and circumstance. One of his first trips as president his first term was to Paris, where Macron made him the the guest of honor at Bastille Day events. Trump later said he wanted to replicate the grand military parade back in the United States.
Macron and Trump: Renewed Ties?
The two leaders praised their past relationship, though their earlier ties were marred by disputes over NATO, trade, and climate change. Macron, however, was one of the first leaders to congratulate Trump on his election victory last month, signaling a willingness to reset relations.
Trump also planned to meet with with Britain’s Prince William, who was scheduled to see Jill Biden separately, according to the British royal palace.
Ukraine’s Concerns Amid Uncertainty
Trump reiterated his commitment to ending the war but provided no details. “Syria is a mess, but this is not our fight,” Trump said in a separate statement, sparking speculation about his approach to broader foreign conflicts.
Symbolism of Notre Dame Ceremony
The trilateral talks took place ahead of the reopening ceremony for Notre Dame Cathedral, a global symbol of resilience and unity. Macron highlighted the significance of Trump’s presence, recalling his solidarity during the 2019 fire that devastated the cathedral.
While the event offered a moment of shared celebration, it also served as a backdrop for pressing global discussions, including the Ukraine war and European efforts to navigate Trump’s impending presidency.
In an effort to build trust with the incoming U.S. administration, Zelenskyy’s top aide Andriy Yermak met key members of Trump’s team on a two-day trip earlier this week. A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly, described the meetings as productive, but declined to disclose details.
Relations between France and the U.S. during Trump’s first term began warmly enough but grew increasingly strained over time.
Macron was the guest of honor at Trump’s first state dinner, and Trump traveled to France several times. But the relationship suffered after Macron criticized Trump for questioning the need for NATO and raising doubts about America’s commitment to the mutual defense pact.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump often mocked Macron, imitating his accent and threatening to impose steep tariffs on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the U.S. if France tried to tax American companies.
But Macron was one of the first global leaders to congratulate Trump last month after the election.
When he accepted the invitation to travel to Paris, Trump said Macron had done “a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!” A fire in 2019 nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark.
Tight Security and High Stakes
Paris implemented stringent security measures for Trump’s visit, deploying French and U.S. agents alongside anti-drone protection. The Notre Dame reopening drew dozens of international leaders, heightening the event’s diplomatic importance.
A Historical Appointment
Amid the diplomatic engagements, Trump announced his intent to nominate Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner, as U.S. ambassador to France. The prestigious role has been held by figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, underscoring its historical significance.
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