Rubio, Witkoff Meet Macron & Allies in Paris for Ukraine Peace Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Senior U.S. officials Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff met with French President Emmanuel Macron and top European and Ukrainian diplomats in Paris to discuss Ukraine’s future and a path to peace. The high-level talks come amid mounting fears of a renewed Russian offensive and skepticism over U.S. commitment under President Trump. European leaders are calling for a global coalition to support any eventual ceasefire.
Ukraine Peace Talks – Key Points
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff met with Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
- Talks included representatives from France, Germany, Britain, and Ukraine.
- Discussions centered on ending the Russia-Ukraine war and potential security guarantees.
- Ukraine’s Yermak called it a “coalition of the willing” for future peacekeeping.
- A 30-country effort led by France and Britain seeks to police any ceasefire deal.
- Trump administration has not committed U.S. military support for the coalition.
- Russia continues daily airstrikes despite a 30-day pause agreement on energy targets.
- Macron also raised concerns over Trump’s tariffs and Mideast tensions during meetings.
- Rubio and Witkoff previously held rounds of negotiations, including with Putin in Saudi Arabia.
- Moscow insists on halting Western arms support and Ukraine’s mobilization—conditions Kyiv rejects.
Ukraine’s Future at Forefront of Paris Talks as U.S. and European Leaders Seek Ceasefire Roadmap
DEEP LOOKS
PARIS (AP) – Top U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials gathered in Paris Thursday for critical diplomatic talks focused on ending the ongoing war in Ukraine and securing future peace. The discussions featured U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, French President Emmanuel Macron, and senior officials from Britain, Germany, and Ukraine.
The Paris summit is part of a renewed international effort to bring stability to the region more than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, serious hurdles remain—including uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s long-term strategy and continued Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Rubio and Witkoff Lead U.S. Delegation
Rubio and Witkoff began the day with a working lunch with President Macron, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
The goal, Bruce said, was to advance “President Trump’s objective to end the war and stop the bloodshed.”
In the afternoon, Witkoff met with Ukrainian presidential adviser Andrii Yermak and senior officials from France, Britain, and Germany. Rubio was expected to meet separately with France’s foreign minister to discuss the political and security dimensions of any future peace deal.
Security Coalition Taking Shape—But U.S. Role Unclear
Yermak described the discussions as part of a growing “coalition of the willing” — a group of over 30 countries, spearheaded by France and the United Kingdom, working to build a peace enforcement framework for Ukraine. This could involve monitoring a ceasefire or providing security guarantees in the event of a negotiated settlement with Russia.
However, the coalition’s success hinges on U.S. support, especially in terms of airpower or military logistics. As of now, the Trump administration has not committed to any such involvement.
Russia Escalates Strikes Despite Pause Deal
While diplomatic efforts unfolded in Paris, Ukraine’s Dnipro region was hit by a massive Russian drone strike Wednesday night, killing three people, including a child. The attack comes despite a fragile, 30-day agreement between Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
Both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of that pause, and tensions continue to rise amid expectations of a new Russian offensive aimed at strengthening Moscow’s leverage at the negotiation table.
U.S. Still Pushing for Ceasefire
Rubio and Witkoff have played central roles in recent U.S. diplomatic efforts, leading multiple negotiation rounds hosted by Saudi Arabia, and even holding a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week.
Yet Moscow has refused to commit to a comprehensive ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration. Russian demands include:
- An immediate halt to Western military support for Ukraine.
- A freeze on Ukraine’s military mobilization efforts.
- Recognition of territorial gains in the east.
Ukraine has categorically rejected those terms.
Europe Raises Broader Concerns with Trump’s Policies
Beyond Ukraine, French President Macron used Thursday’s meetings to raise concerns about Trump’s escalating trade war, particularly new tariffs on European goods. Macron also discussed ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, emphasizing a need for “de-escalation” in coordination with U.S. policy.
The Trump administration has drawn criticism from allies for its recent policy shifts, including tariff hikes, NATO skepticism, and an unclear stance on Greenland’s strategic role.
Conclusion: Hope, But No Breakthrough Yet
As the war enters its fourth year, the quest for a stable and enforceable peace remains elusive. While the Paris meetings signal growing international coordination, many fear that without a clear U.S. commitment, the coalition effort could stall before it begins.
The diplomatic process will continue, with future meetings expected in Berlin and Riyadh later this spring.
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