Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to increase pressure on Russia, suspending US oil sanctions.
AILSA Chang, Host:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Paris today. This will be his 12th visit to France since the full-scale invasion of Russia. They come as a new war unfolds in the Middle East, which has taken the spotlight on Ukraine, and President Trump has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil. NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley reports.
(Marching Band Music Soundbite)
ELEANOR BEARDSLEY, BYLINE: As usual, Zelensky was greeted in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace by the Republican Guard. French President Emmanuel Macron hugged him as cameras clicked. The two presidents, friends during the past four years of war, sat down to lunch before speaking to the media.
(soundbite of archived recording)
PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON: (Through interpreter) If Russia thinks the war in Iran will bring a pause, it is wrong. The world may be looking at Iran, but this visit is important to show that nothing will keep us away from Ukraine.
BEARDSLEY: Macron has said Ukrainian skies are a testing ground for Iran’s drones, which are now being flown across the Middle East. A stern-faced Zelensky did not mince words about the Trump administration’s temporary lifting of sanctions on Russia.
(soundbite of archived recording)
President Volodymyr Zelensky: (Speaking Ukrainian).
BEARDSLEY: He said easing U.S. sanctions on Russian oil could bring in about $10 billion for the Kremlin, which Moscow will use in its war against Ukraine. Speaking in Berlin today, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed that sentiment.
(soundbite of archived recording)
Chancellor Friedrich Merz: (Speaks German).
BEARDSLEY: Merz said Russia has shown no interest in peace talks and pressure must be increased. “Relaxing restrictions now,” he said, “for any reason, is wrong.”
(crosstalk)
BEARDSLEY: After the formalities, Zelensky headed to the prestigious Sciences Po University in France, where hundreds of students stood in the rain under umbrellas waiting to hear him speak.
(applause)
BEARDSLEY: Zelensky received a standing ovation from the packed auditorium. He immediately seemed to enjoy being with young people.
(soundbite of archived recording)
Zelensky: Should I speak English or Ukrainian?
UNIDENTIFIED MC: You can do anything.
Beardsley: You can do anything, MC said. We all have headphones. Zelenskyy replied that it was the students’ choice.
(soundbite of archived recording)
Zelensky: Do you prefer English or Ukrainian?
(laughs)
UNIDENTIFIED STUDENT #1: Ukrainian.
Zelensky: Ukrainian?
(cheering)
Zelensky: Great.
BEARDSLEY: The questions from the eager students came one after the other.
(soundbite of archived recording)
Zelensky: (Speaks Ukrainian).
Beardsley: The struggle is not about territory, Zelensky said, but about people, your house, your apartment, your dorm. He said that when someone takes you home, someone takes your life. He told the students that they may still be too young to understand, but will be able to visit the graves of loved ones. He switched back to English because he said he got a good round of applause.
(soundbite of archived recording)
UNIDENTIFIED STUDENT #2: (Speaking French).
BEARDSLEY: A student asked about Ukraine’s anti-drone technology. “Do you plan to use this to get more out of negotiations with the US?”
(soundbite of archived recording)
Zelensky: And I remember – all the emotions of people and crying children.
BEARDSLEY: Zelensky described how Ukraine initially felt isolated and repulsed drone swarms almost every night. Ukraine was brushed off months ago when it offered its drone technology to the Trump administration. Now Middle Eastern countries are going to Kyiv to get it. Then Zelensky answered her question.
(soundbite of archived recording)
Zelensky: Do we use it in our dialogue with the Americans? Yes.
(laughs)
BEARDSLEY: Zelensky was diplomatic when asked how he would work with a future European government from the right. Ukraine will work with any elected leader, he said.
(soundbite of archived recording)
Zelensky: I’m not sure we can manage to (inaudible) continue.
BEARDSLEY: But he wondered if there was any way his good friend Emmanuel could stay after his term expired next year.
(soundbite of archived recording)
Zelensky: And Germany, I don’t know.
Beardsley: As for Germany – that’s 2029, right? – asked Zelenskyy. That’s probably not my problem.
(soundbite of archived recording)
Zelensky: Come to Ukraine often.
Beardsley: He thanked the students for their support and sentiments and told them to come to Ukraine often.
(soundbite of archived recording)
Zelensky: And I think that’s enough (ph). Thank you very much.
(applause)
Beardsley: Eleanor Beardsley, NPR News, Paris.
(musical soundbite)
Copyright © 2026 NPR. All rights reserved. For more information visit our Website Terms of Use and Permissions pages at www.npr.org.
Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or accommodate updates to the audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The official record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
