Paris, September 4 (HS):

French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a joint press conference in Paris on Thursday following high-level talks. Both leaders underlined that concrete plans are being developed to end the war and secure Ukraine’s long-term safety.

Framework for Security Guarantees

President Macron announced that under the leadership of defense chiefs and strategic planners, a comprehensive framework for security guarantees had already been finalized. According to him, 35 nations have pledged military and political cooperation, with 26 countries submitting clear proposals specifying the nature of guarantees they are prepared to provide.

“Ukraine’s defense is no longer limited in scope,” he stressed, adding that cooperation would extend across land, sea, and air domains.

Macron also confirmed he had recently held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and that Washington’s precise role would be finalized in the coming days. He warned that if Russia rejects peace terms, France, together with the United States and European allies, would impose tougher countermeasures.

Zelensky: War Must End, Security Must Last

For his part, Zelensky was unequivocal: “The objective is clear – to end the war as swiftly as possible and secure robust guarantees for Ukraine.” He emphasized that a strong Ukrainian army remained the cornerstone of lasting security, underscoring ongoing efforts in training, weapons production, and procurement.

The Ukrainian president reiterated the need to intensify economic pressure on Russia, aiming to further weaken its “war machine.” He identified air defense as the country’s top priority, vital to protecting civilians from Russia’s overnight strikes.

Rejecting past failed agreements such as the Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk Accords, Zelensky insisted that the new guarantees must be long-term, legally binding agreements endorsed by national parliaments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar