Rubio, Witkoff to visit Paris for talks on Ukraine

Politico reported the information.

According to sources, the main topics of the U.S. officials’ visit to France will be the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza, Iran, and trade relations.

Witkoff is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, while Rubio will hold talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Rubio also plans to travel to Africa after the meetings.

One U.S. official said that the talks in France will be crucial following Witkoff’s recent visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to discuss a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.

The White House called the meeting another step in the negotiation process, despite Trump’s frustration over the lack of progress.

France is currently leading the European push to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. Macron supports the idea of sending so-called assurance forces to Ukrainian territory if a ceasefire is reached.

The talks will also touch on easing trade tensions after Trump’s recent remarks about tariffs. Last week, Macron called Trump’s 90-day tariff freeze a fragile pause in growing tensions.

• Earlier, Steve Witkoff said the talks to end the war in Ukraine include discussions on the “five territories.” In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated: “Only the people can speak about the territories of our state.”