European allies essential to Ukraine peace talks, French FM Barrot says

"We have made every effort to ensure that everything is done in the interests of peace in Ukraine and security in Europe," the diplomat said.

Barrot emphasized that the U.S.-backed peace plan, originally comprising 28 points, has undergone "significant changes." He said all issues related to European countries have been excluded, but for the first time, the United States has clearly stated its readiness to collaborate with Ukraine on preparing security guarantees — military mechanisms to prevent future aggression after a peace deal.

The French official noted that while Russia seeks to limit Ukraine's military capabilities, Europeans intend to support a "robust post-war" Ukrainian army.

"This will require us to help rebuild it," the minister said.

Barrot described the coalition of 35 nations — formed to provide a joint response to security issues outside NATO — as "unprecedented in European history" since the end of World War II.

Zelenskyy arrived in France on Dec. 1 with first lady Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne reported.

The leaders are expected to hold a one-on-one meeting, after which Zelenskyy will visit production facilities at French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

On Dec. 1, Axios reported that National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov will meet Zelenskyy in Paris to brief him on talks with the U.S. delegation in Florida on Nov. 30.

Zelenskyy said ahead of the trip that the U.S. negotiations on the peace plan were constructive and aimed at strengthening Ukraine's sovereignty and protecting national interests.