French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hold peace talks in Geneva, emphasising the city’s tradition of neutrality as a potential foundation for dialogue. Announced during high-level meetings in Washington, the proposal comes amid renewed international efforts to explore diplomatic avenues following separate consultations with US President Donald Trump. Macron’s initiative highlights Europe’s ambition to take a more proactive role in mediating the conflict, positioning Geneva as a symbol of balanced and rules-based diplomacy.
From a diplomatic perspective, the move reflects a dual-track strategy: promoting negotiations in a neutral setting while maintaining pressure through the prospect of strengthened sanctions and continued security support for Ukraine if talks fail. It underscores Europe’s balancing act between opening space for dialogue and safeguarding the principle of sovereignty. In this way, Macron’s proposal seeks to keep channels open for de-escalation while reaffirming Europe’s resolve to defend international norms and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
