Ukrainian President Meets with French Students
On March 13, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a discussion with students from French universities in Paris. The event, hosted at the Sciences Po Institute of Political Studies, drew an audience of over 500 in person, with approximately five thousand more participating online. This engagement highlights the ongoing international focus on Ukraine's struggle and its future direction. Zelenskyy addressed critical issues including the ongoing war, Ukraine's pursuit of European Union membership, the challenge of repatriating children deported by Russia, and the impact of shifting global attention to the Middle East.
“The war is not over, but we have endured and preserved our independence. I am confident this is already a major victory for the entire world. It serves as a powerful example for other democracies and free peoples.” - Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The Ukrainian leader also underscored the profound significance of his country's European path:
“The European Union has become something greater than mere membership for Ukraine. During this war, it represents a major geopolitical choice by our nation—the choice not to be with Russia, but to be with Europe.” - Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy raised the urgent issue of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia. He outlined three primary obstacles to their return:
- The forced change of the children's citizenship and official documents,
- The recruitment of teenagers into the Russian army once they reach adulthood,
- The absence of a dedicated mechanism to exchange children, unlike the systems in place for prisoners of war.
Furthermore, the president called for sustained international focus, noting that 'as the world's attention shifts to the Middle East, it is not favorable for us. Ukraine requires protection from drones and missiles.' These remarks emphasize the critical need for continued support for Ukraine amidst the war and growing threats from other global crises.
Ukraine's Core Challenges
The meeting in Paris served as a platform for President Zelenskyy to outline the fundamental challenges confronting Ukraine today. His dialogue with students underscores the importance of maintaining global awareness of Ukraine's plight, even as other conflicts emerge.
President Zelenskyy's engagement with students in Paris highlights the sustained international backing for Ukraine and the necessity of discussing war-related and European integration matters. The highlighted problems, such as child deportation and military threats, remain pressing, demonstrating the need for the world community to maintain its focus on Ukrainian challenges. Simultaneously, the emphasis on the country's European course reflects Ukraine's aspiration for integration into European structures, a move with potential long-term implications for regional stability.