Zelensky Visits France Amid Russian Advances in Ukraine

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By 24matins.uk,  published 10 October 2024 at 13h12, updated on 10 October 2024 at 13h12.
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Today, Volodymyr Zelensky is in Paris for a meeting with Emmanuel Macron, and will later travel to Rome and Berlin. What are the key objectives of these critical visits for the Ukrainian president?

Ukrainian President Seeks European Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky embarks on a diplomatic tour across Europe starting this Thursday, October 10. His journey kicks off in Paris with a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, followed by stops in Rome, Berlin, and the United Kingdom.

The timing of these visits is critical as the Russian military advances in Eastern Ukraine and uncertainties surrounding the U.S. presidential elections raise concerns about potential decreases in American support for Ukraine.

A Packed Diplomatic Tour

“I will meet separately with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany.” stated Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Following Paris, Zelensky will head to Rome to engage with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis. His schedule also includes a visit to Germany, originally planned to coincide with a defense meeting that was postponed due to U.S. President Joe Biden’s cancellation caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida.

Military and Political Stakes

Zelensky aims to leverage this tour to push for military support, especially in light of Germany’s decision to halve its military aid to Ukraine by 2025. The ongoing Russian advances in the Donetsk region underscore the urgency of these demands.

Additionally, the Ukrainian president plans to discuss his “victory plan” for a just end to the war, to be unveiled at a second peace summit in November. “For us, it’s a plan of victory… and once fully implemented, Russia will lose its capacity to threaten us and Europe.” Zelensky asserted.

Beyond these issues, Ukraine and its president are also navigating challenges such as the U.S. presidential election on November 5 and the need for increased support from the “Global South.”