Asger Risom
French president outlines next steps following key diplomatic meeting with Trump, Zelensky, and Starmer
Diplomatic efforts toward ending the conflict in Ukraine continue to unfold amid high-stakes meetings among world leaders. A recent mini-summit at the Vatican has given new momentum to discussions, though French President Emmanuel Macron urges caution and sustained pressure.
Renewed Push for Unity Against Moscow
Following the Vatican meeting between Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and American President Donald Trump, Macron emphasized the need for “prudence” while welcoming the renewed pressure on Russia.
In an interview with Paris Match, he stated, “We must be united and dissuasive,” highlighting that part of the outcome still “depends on Moscow,” as reported by HotNews.ro.
Macron confirmed that within the next eight to ten days, pressure on the Kremlin would increase, although he refrained from providing specific details about upcoming measures.
Tensions and Symbolism at the Vatican
The four-way meeting at the Vatican quickly evolved into a more symbolic bilateral discussion between Trump and Zelensky, images of which flooded social media.
Although Macron remains hopeful for a ceasefire—supported by the United States, accepted by Ukraine, but yet unendorsed by Russia—he stressed that the diplomatic efforts should not end here.
Reflecting on previous tensions, Macron noted, “It was not right for pressure to be applied only on Ukraine,” referencing the publicized confrontation between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office earlier this year.
Building Toward a Lasting Peace
Macron believes he succeeded in convincing American officials about the risk of escalation if Russia faces no consequences. He emphasized the importance of “creating dynamics” that encouraged Zelensky to accept a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, referencing earlier diplomatic initiatives in Jeddah.
“All of us must work together to create the conditions for a solid and lasting peace,” Macron concluded, signaling a continued, coordinated Western effort to manage the conflict’s next phase.