US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, are traveling to Paris for talks with European officials on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. The visit, scheduled for April 16-18, aims to advance Trump’s goal of a ceasefire in the conflict.
Rubio will meet with top European diplomats, including French government spokeswoman Sophie Primas, and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday. The talks come as tensions remain high following recent Russian missile strikes in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed at least 35 people.
Witkoff has been holding meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin since last week, saying a peace deal “emerging” despite lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations. The Paris meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Additionally, rare discussions between the US and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear programme are set to take place April 19 in Oman, following a similar meeting held over the weekend.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250416-rubio-witkoff-head-to-paris-for-ukraine-war-talks