US President-elect Donald Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Élysée Palace in Paris on Saturday, just ahead of the re-opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Initially scheduled for separate bilateral meetings with Macron, Trump and Zelenskyy instead convened together, as confirmed by the French presidency. This meeting is the first in-person interaction between Trump and Zelenskyy since the US presidential election in November.
The gathering coincides with Trump’s first international trip as president-elect. (AP photo)
Trump’s victory has raised questions in Europe regarding continued US support for Ukraine amid its defense against Russia. While Trump and Zelenskyy spoke shortly after the election, this meeting may serve as a platform to discuss future US-Ukraine relations.
The gathering coincides with Trump’s first international trip as president-elect. Macron welcomed him to the Élysée Palace on Saturday, with Zelenskyy arriving shortly thereafter. Both leaders alongside an estimated 50 global dignitaries are expected to attend the cathedral’s reopening, which was devastated by a fire in 2019.
Trump is also scheduled to meet with Prince William ahead of the ceremony, with First Lady Jill Biden representing the United States at the event in place of President Joe Biden.
(With inputs from Reuters)