French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris on Nov. 17 his ninth visit since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The talks follow the latest gathering of the “Coalition of the Willing,” co-led by France and the U.K., where European allies pushed for rapid use of frozen Russian assets to bolster Kyiv’s war effort. The visit also comes after one of Russia’s most intense overnight bombardments in months, with more than 430 drones and 18 missiles launched, and a major Ukrainian drone strike forcing Russia’s Novorossiysk port to suspend oil exports.
Why It Matters
The meeting underscores France’s attempt to maintain European momentum on Ukraine as the war enters a grinding phase and Western attention is stretched. Paris wants to assure Kyiv that long-term military, economic and energy support will continue despite political divisions in Europe and pressure on U.S. aid. The halt of oil exports in Novorossiysk highlights Ukraine’s increasing ability to strike deep inside Russia a shift with potential repercussions for global markets.
France & U.K.: Leading the coalition pushing for faster, more coordinated European support.
Ukraine: Seeking sustained weapons, financial backing and political guarantees.
European Allies: Debating the use of frozen Russian assets and long-term security commitments.
Russia: Increasing drone and missile attacks while facing deeper incursions on its own infrastructure.
What’s Next
Macron and Zelenskiy are expected to outline a fresh package of defence, energy, and economic cooperation. France will continue lobbying European partners to unlock frozen Russian assets “at speed.” Kyiv is expected to press for additional air-defence systems as winter approaches and Russian strikes intensify. The coalition’s next steps particularly on funding will determine whether European support can stay ahead of Ukraine’s battlefield needs.
With information from Reuters.
