Paris Summit on Ukraine, attended by Turkey, begins: Leaders gather as US and Russia hold talks

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It was reported that security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe's security architecture would be discussed at the meeting, where Turkey is represented by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. The summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, was also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, officials from the UK, Canada, Norway, and EU member states, as well as representatives from various other nations.

Macron met with Zelenskyy prior to the summit. During this meeting, Macron announced that they would provide an additional 2 billion euros in aid to Ukraine. The French leader reiterated his claim that Europe would take every necessary step to ensure Ukraine's security. In a statement following the meeting, Zelenskyy claimed that Russia does not want peace and demanded further support for Ukraine. 

Macron stated, "Ukraine is ready for peace, but Russia needs to take steps toward a ceasefire." According to experts, the summit is the first high-level meeting held following the agreement reached between the US, Ukraine, and Russia regarding the assurance of security in the Black Sea.

LATEST STATUS ON CEASEFIRE TALKS

A 30-day ceasefire plan between Ukraine and Russia was brought to the agenda at the summit held in London on March 2. The US delegation had proposed a temporary ceasefire during their meeting with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah on March 11.

While the Ukrainian side indicated it was ready to accept a ceasefire, the Kremlin administration maintained a distant stance. US President Donald Trump expressed that Russia could be persuaded.

At the London summit on March 2, it was decided to increase economic pressure on Russia and to keep Ukraine in a strong position at the negotiating table. The plan to form a 'Coalition of Volunteers' was also announced at the meeting. It was suggested that the coalition could deploy troops to Ukraine to maintain a ceasefire if deemed necessary.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that military and financial support for Ukraine would be increased through the Coalition of Volunteers. The second leaders' summit on Ukraine was held online on March 15.

News Source: AA