Volodymyr Zelenskyy met the American president-elect and France's Emmanuel Macron ahead of the re-opening ceremony for the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.

In a post on social media, Zelenskyy wrote: "We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way.

"We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace."

“We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible.”

I had a good and productive trilateral meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and President @EmmanuelMacron at the Élysée Palace.

President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel for organizing this important meeting.

We all want… pic.twitter.com/eKMtuhp2ZI

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 7, 2024

“Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security,” Macron wrote on X.

United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre-Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security. pic.twitter.com/hEYGEklihT

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 7, 2024

European leaders are concerned that Trump could withdraw U.S. military aid to Ukraine at a crucial juncture in its war to repel Russian invaders.

Macron is a strong supporter of the NATO alliance and Ukraine’s fight, while Trump feels European nations need to pay more for their common defense and that a negotiated settlement is needed to end the Ukraine war.

Trump returned to the world stage on Saturday and is set to join leaders for the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, still a private citizen but already preparing to tackle a host of international crises.

It is Trump’s first trip overseas since he won the presidential election a month ago and it could offer Macron an opportunity to play the role of mediator between Europe and the unpredictable U.S. politician, a role the French leader has relished in the past.