US diplomats to visit Paris for crucial talks on Ukrainian crisis and regional issues

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steven Whitkoff, will travel to Paris from April 16 to 18 to engage in high-level talks with European counterparts.

The goal of their visit is to further discussions on resolving the ongoing Ukrainian crisis, as well as advancing broader regional interests, according to a statement from State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

“Rubio and Whitkoff will be in Paris to meet with European leaders to support President Trump’s goal of stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine,” Bruce explained in a written statement. She also noted that Rubio’s discussions will include ways to strengthen common interests in the region.

French government spokesperson, Minister-delegate Sophie Primas, confirmed the visit, adding that discussions would cover all topics related to the Middle East, though she did not elaborate on additional areas of focus. Prima also refrained from providing specific details about the exact timing of the meetings.

This trip follows reports from Politico, which revealed that both Rubio and Whitkoff are expected to meet with key French officials. Whitkoff, who is tasked with resolving the crises in Ukraine and Gaza, is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, while Rubio will hold talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

A US official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that Rubio’s visit will include discussions on Ukraine, Iran, and trade relations, especially in light of Trump’s recent tariff threats. Rubio’s trip to Paris will be followed by a visit to Africa.

The meetings come shortly after Whitkoff’s encounter with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The discussions in Russia focused on the potential for a ceasefire in Ukraine, although negotiations between Russia and the US have stalled in recent weeks. The White House described the Moscow talks as “another step in the negotiating process towards a ceasefire,” despite ongoing frustration with the slow progress.

Macron, who has been leading European efforts to secure security guarantees for Ukraine, has advocated for the deployment of a reassurance force to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. This visit is significant, marking the first time high-level American diplomats have travelled to France since US Vice President JD Vance attended a summit on artificial intelligence in February.

As the diplomatic conversations unfold, trade relations, particularly concerning tariffs, are expected to take centre stage. French President Macron recently commented that President Trump’s temporary suspension of the most severe tariffs for 90 days offered only a “fragile” pause in tensions, signalling that trade issues will remain a critical point of discussion during the visit.

By Tamilla Hasanova