Macron hosts talks on ‘crazy world’ with Zelensky and Trump in Paris

President Emmanuel Macron held trilateral talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, where they addressed global concerns that Trump described as “a little bit crazy.” The meeting, held at the Elysee Palace, focused on global affairs that Trump described as “a little crazy right now.”
At the French presidential palace, Trump received full military honors even though he was not yet in office. Macron and Trump exchanged warm greetings with multiple handshakes.
“It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we’re going to talk about that,” Trump commented before their debate, as reported by AFP.
This was Zelensky’s first personal meeting with Trump since the US election, before he attended the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. The meeting is of particular importance to Zelensky given concerns in Kiev about Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, the Paris visit provided Macron with an opportunity to understand the likely direction of Trump’s second presidency, which begins in January.
This was his first international engagement after Trump’s election victory. His delegation includes key advisers Susie Wiles, Steve Witkoff and Massad Boulos, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk expected to attend the Notre Dame ceremony.
Despite previous tensions, Trump highlighted his positive relationship with the French leader, saying, “We had a great relationship as we all know. We’ve done a lot.”
On the other hand, Macron thanked Trump for his presence at the reopening of Notre Dame, recalling Trump’s supportive response to the 2019 cathedral fire during his presidency.
Their initial relationship got off to a positive start in 2017 despite political differences, though it later soured over differences over climate change, trade and defense issues.
These discussions included trade relations as well as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Trump has previously expressed views against US involvement in Syria, where rebels are reported to be advancing towards Damascus.
Zelensky later joined the meeting, describing it on social media as “good and productive”, hoping for a just conclusion to the conflict. Macron then emphasized the continuation of joint peace and security efforts.
According to Zelensky’s spokesman Sergey Naikiforov, only three leaders were involved in the 35-minute meeting.