Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US envoy Steve Witkoff is headed to Paris for a series of high-level talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and defusing growing international tensions. The visit, which runs from 16 to 18 April, comes at a critical moment in global diplomacy.
Rubio and Witkoff are expected to hold separate meetings with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and President Emmanuel Macron, respectively. According to officials familiar with the itinerary, the two sides will also address Iran’s nuclear programme and Trump’s escalating tariff policies, which have rattled global markets.
War grinds on as peace talks resume
The centrepiece of the visit is the ongoing war in Ukraine, which shows no sign of ending despite repeated US overtures. President Donald Trump has called for a ceasefire, but progress remains slow.
On Sunday, a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed at least 35 people, highlighting the human cost of a war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The attack occurred just days before the US delegation’s arrival in Paris, and only underscored the urgency of their mission.
Witkoff, who has now met Russian President Vladimir Putin three times, said on Monday, “I see a peace deal emerging.” His remarks followed his most recent talks in Moscow, which a White House spokesperson described as “another step in the negotiating process towards a ceasefire”—but acknowledged that Trump is growing “frustrated” by the slow pace of progress.
Macron steps up as Europe’s diplomatic anchor
France is playing a central role in trying to secure a breakthrough. President Macron has been spearheading European efforts to guarantee Ukraine’s security, including proposing a “reassurance force” that could be deployed in the event of a truce.
Macron’s scheduled meeting with Witkoff is seen as pivotal, especially given the recent breakdown in direct talks between the US and Russia. A French official noted that Macron is keen to ensure that Europe remains closely involved in any future security arrangement for Kyiv.
This is the first official visit to France by high-level US officials since Vice-President JD Vance attended a summit on artificial intelligence in February.
Iran nuclear programme back on the table
While Ukraine remains front and centre, the US delegation will also raise concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. On Saturday, rare discussions between the US and Iranian officials took place in Oman. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for 19 April.
The revival of nuclear diplomacy with Tehran comes after months of silence, and Rubio’s team is expected to coordinate next steps with French counterparts during his stay in Paris.
Tariff truce seen as temporary
Trade tensions will also be on the agenda. Trump’s recent decision to suspend his most punitive tariffs for 90 days has done little to calm European nerves. Macron, in particular, has expressed scepticism.
Speaking last week, the French President said the move offers only a “fragile” pause in transatlantic tensions. Trump’s wider tariff threats have strained US-EU trade relations and will likely feature in conversations between Rubio and Barrot.
A US official familiar with the visit, who requested anonymity, said the Paris discussions would cover “Ukraine, Iran and trade relations in the wake of Trump’s tariff threats.”
Rubio is expected to travel to Africa following the Paris leg of the trip. Details of his itinerary remain under wraps, but officials say it forms part of a broader diplomatic effort to rebuild US alliances and influence.
As the Paris talks unfold, there is hope—but little certainty—that a turning point in Ukraine might be near. For now, the violence continues, and the diplomacy continues with it.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Rubio and Witkoff are expected to hold separate meetings with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and President Emmanuel Macron, respectively. According to officials familiar with the itinerary, the two sides will also address Iran’s nuclear programme and Trump’s escalating tariff policies, which have rattled global markets.
War grinds on as peace talks resume
The centrepiece of the visit is the ongoing war in Ukraine, which shows no sign of ending despite repeated US overtures. President Donald Trump has called for a ceasefire, but progress remains slow.
On Sunday, a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed at least 35 people, highlighting the human cost of a war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The attack occurred just days before the US delegation’s arrival in Paris, and only underscored the urgency of their mission.
Witkoff, who has now met Russian President Vladimir Putin three times, said on Monday, “I see a peace deal emerging.” His remarks followed his most recent talks in Moscow, which a White House spokesperson described as “another step in the negotiating process towards a ceasefire”—but acknowledged that Trump is growing “frustrated” by the slow pace of progress.
Macron steps up as Europe’s diplomatic anchor
France is playing a central role in trying to secure a breakthrough. President Macron has been spearheading European efforts to guarantee Ukraine’s security, including proposing a “reassurance force” that could be deployed in the event of a truce.
Macron’s scheduled meeting with Witkoff is seen as pivotal, especially given the recent breakdown in direct talks between the US and Russia. A French official noted that Macron is keen to ensure that Europe remains closely involved in any future security arrangement for Kyiv.
This is the first official visit to France by high-level US officials since Vice-President JD Vance attended a summit on artificial intelligence in February.
Iran nuclear programme back on the table
While Ukraine remains front and centre, the US delegation will also raise concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. On Saturday, rare discussions between the US and Iranian officials took place in Oman. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for 19 April.
The revival of nuclear diplomacy with Tehran comes after months of silence, and Rubio’s team is expected to coordinate next steps with French counterparts during his stay in Paris.
Tariff truce seen as temporary
Trade tensions will also be on the agenda. Trump’s recent decision to suspend his most punitive tariffs for 90 days has done little to calm European nerves. Macron, in particular, has expressed scepticism.
Speaking last week, the French President said the move offers only a “fragile” pause in transatlantic tensions. Trump’s wider tariff threats have strained US-EU trade relations and will likely feature in conversations between Rubio and Barrot.
A US official familiar with the visit, who requested anonymity, said the Paris discussions would cover “Ukraine, Iran and trade relations in the wake of Trump’s tariff threats.”
Rubio is expected to travel to Africa following the Paris leg of the trip. Details of his itinerary remain under wraps, but officials say it forms part of a broader diplomatic effort to rebuild US alliances and influence.
As the Paris talks unfold, there is hope—but little certainty—that a turning point in Ukraine might be near. For now, the violence continues, and the diplomacy continues with it.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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