PARIS (CHATNEWSTV) — Senior Ukrainian and U.S. officials held a series of high-level meetings in Paris on Thursday, joined by key European allies, in a renewed push for a full ceasefire and a durable peace in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian delegation, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and presidential aide Andriy Yermak — met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Presidential Envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg for bilateral and multilateral talks.
“We remain committed to peace efforts alongside the United States, Europe, and our partners,” a Ukrainian official said following the meeting. “Ukraine is determined to end this war as soon as possible.”
Ukrainian representatives reaffirmed their support for a full ceasefire, referencing Kyiv’s agreement to a March 11 ceasefire proposal brokered in Jeddah.
Talks were described as “constructive and positive,” focusing on pathways to a comprehensive and lasting peace. The parties agreed to maintain regular dialogue.
Later, the two delegations expanded the talks to include top security advisers from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, the so-called Coalition of the Willing. French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne, U.K. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, and Germany’s Jens Plötner took part in the multilateral session.
Participants agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire should be the first step toward ending the conflict, while also discussing practical steps for its implementation.
Ukrainian officials highlighted the urgent need to return children forcibly taken to Russia, and to secure the release of prisoners of war and civilian hostages, a key confidence-building measures they say are vital to beginning the peace process.
All sides agreed to maintain close contacts in the coming weeks as they advance negotiations.
