Ukraine Expands Diplomatic Push

Ukraine intensified diplomatic and international outreach on April 1, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior officials holding talks with European and U.S. representatives on security cooperation, peace efforts and the country’s European Union accession process.

Zelenskyy discussed support for Ukraine and efforts to unblock its EU accession negotiations during a meeting with Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defense, Helen McEntee. He also spoke with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre about strengthening security cooperation and briefed him on negotiations in the Middle East and Gulf region.

In a call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the leaders coordinated efforts with international partners to end the war, including engagement with the United States. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays and was seeking U.S. support. In a later address, he said Russia had continued attacks against energy and other infrastructure despite the proposal.

Zelenskyy also met with envoys of the U.S. president to discuss security guarantees and what the Ukrainian presidency described as efforts toward a lasting peace. Separately, Ukrainian and French officials coordinated next steps following a leaders’ meeting in Paris. The presidential website also reported that 16 French universities had joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies during a week of academic and public events in France.