Published: 10:42, March 18, 2025
Zelensky, Macron hold phone call ahead of Trump-Putin talks
By Xinhua
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) meets France's President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the Special European Council to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defense at the EU headquarters in Brussels on March 6, 2025. (PHOTO / POOL VIA AP)

KYIV/PARIS - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday ahead of an upcoming conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We coordinated our positions ahead of the conversation between President Trump and Putin and the upcoming meetings in Europe," Zelensky said in his evening address.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to Macron and France for their support for Ukraine.

READ MORE: Trump to speak with Putin Tuesday on Russia-Ukraine ceasefire

Separately, Macron urged France's partners to work together to present a concrete peace plan for Ukraine.

He made the remarks on his X account after holding talks with Zelensky.

"We must now move forward with all our partners to present a concrete peace plan," Macron said.

The French head of state reiterated the importance of a "peace plan that provides strong security guarantees for Ukraine. A peace plan that ensures lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe".

READ MORE: Russia seeks security guarantees in Ukraine peace deal

He also said that it is up to Russia to accept the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire deal "to prove that it truly wants peace".

Earlier in the day, US media reported that Trump said he planned to talk with Putin on Tuesday about ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine agreed on March 11 to a US proposal for an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire" following discussions with a US delegation in Jeddah.

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The talks, which took place without European participation, resulted in a commitment for renewed US security assistance to Ukraine, while the United States secured preliminary approval for access to Ukraine's mineral resources.