Ukraine's Zelenskyy heads to Paris for 'coalition' talks

French President Emmanuel Macron is due to receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of a multi-nation initiative to form a so-called "coalition of the willing."

Such an international grouping would be made up of countries prepared to provide security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The concept is to be finalized at a summit in Paris on Thursday.

Here is a roundup of headlines on Russia's war in Ukraine for Wednesday, March 26:

03/26/2025March 26, 2025

Zelenskyy headed for Paris to meet Macron

Macron is trying to round-up European support for defending Ukraine Image: Nicolas Tucat, Pool Photo via AP/picture alliance

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday ahead of a summit of nations willing to help guarantee a possible peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.

France and the United Kingdom have led an initiative to form a so-called "coalition of the willing" — countries prepared to offer security guarantees to Kyiv in any lasting ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The concept is to be finalized at a summit in Paris on Thursday.

Kyiv's Western allies are considering the monitoring of a possible demilitarized zone between Russia and Ukraine, according to information obtained by German news agency DPA.

Such monitoring would be primarily from the air and with the help of technical means such as satellites and drones.

Naval vessels could also be sent to monitor freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

A peacekeeping force in the conventional sense could be mobilized through the United Nations made up exclusively of soldiers from non-partisan third countries. 

European forces could then be sent to Ukraine's western border and offer training programs for Ukrainian personnel. 

03/26/2025March 26, 2025

Ukraine's Zelenskyy says drone attacks show Russia not seeking 'real peace'

Tracers shoot at a Russian drone over the skies of Kyiv in December 2024Image: Gleb Garanich/REUTERS

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says overnight Russian attacks with Iranian Shahed drones shows that Russia has no intention of pursuing peace.

"Last night, there were another 117 proofs in our skies of how Russia continues to drag out this war — 117 strike drones, most of them Shaheds. A significant number were shot down by our air defenders."

The attacks damaged infrastructure in the city of Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy's home city, and the Dnipro, Sumy and Cherkasy regions.

"Launching such large-scale attacks after ceasefire negotiations is a clear signal to the whole world that Moscow is not going to pursue real peace," said Zelenskyy. 

"Since March 11, there has been a US proposal for a total ceasefire, a complete halt to strikes. And literally every night, through its attacks, Russia keeps saying 'no' to our partners' peace proposal."

In turn, Russia's Defence Ministry on Wednesday accused Ukraine of trying to attack civilian energy infrastructure in Russia. 

03/26/2025March 26, 2025

Russia convicts captured Ukrainian of terrorism

A court in Russia has found 23 captured Ukrainians guilty of terrorism charges stemming from the fighting in Ukraine.

Kyiv has denounced the trial as a sham and a violation of international law.

Among the defendants were 14 current or former fighters of the elite Azov Brigade, which Russia designated a terrorist group. They also include nine women who worked as cooks or support personnel.

Twelve defendants were not in court — 11 of them convicted in absentia after returning to Ukraine in two prisoner exchanges. Another died in custody last year.

All were charged with staging a violent coup d'etat and organizing activities of a terrorist organization. Some faced an extra charge of training to carry out terrorist activities.

They were handed sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years in prison.

03/26/2025March 26, 2025

Welcome to our coverage

This blog will bring you the latest coverage, analysis and multimedia content related to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron are set for talks in Paris ahead of a summit of countries willing to help with security guarantees.

The White House on Monday said Russia and Ukraine have agreed separately to avoid military strikes on vessels in the Black Sea. Russia has said the agreement is conditional on the lifting of some sanctions.

The apparent breakthrough came after the US participated in lengthy talks with Russian interlocutors in Saudi Arabia.