Overview
- France’s presidency said the talks will center on the conditions for a just and durable peace in Ukraine.
- The visit lines up with a U.S.-backed framework under discussion after Geneva meetings, as a Ukrainian delegation travels to Washington for follow-up talks.
- Ukraine’s negotiating lineup has shifted after chief of staff Andriy Yermak resigned following an anti-corruption raid by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau.
- National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov is set to lead the Washington talks while he is also under investigation for corruption.
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned Russia to accept a ceasefire or face new sanctions and said Zelensky retains full legitimacy to pursue peace.