US President-elect Donald Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Saturday before the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Macron, Trump and Zelensky were initially scheduled for separate bilateral meetings instead of being called together, as confirmed by the French president. The meeting is the first personal interaction between Trump and Zelensky since the US presidential election in November.
Trump’s victory has raised questions in Europe about continued US support for Ukraine amid its defense against Russia. While Trump and Zelensky spoke shortly after the election, the meeting could serve as a platform to discuss future US-Ukraine relations.
The gathering coincides with President-elect Trump’s first international trip. Macron welcomed him to the Elysee Palace on Saturday, shortly after Zelensky arrived. An estimated 50 global dignitaries are expected to accompany the two leaders Attend the re-opening of the cathedralIt was destroyed by fire in 2019.
Trump is also scheduled to meet with Prince William before the ceremony, along with first lady Jill Biden, who will represent the United States at the event in place of President Joe Biden.
(With information from Reuters)