Paris stopped yesterday for to celebrate la reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, a universal symbol of history, art and faith, restored after the devastating fire of 2019. Despite the rain, the ceremony was solemn and touching, with the President Emmanuel Macron to host, expressing gratitude to the thousands of people who contributed to the reconstruction.
In his speech, Macron recalled the historical events associated with the cathedral, such as the coronations of kings and Napoleon, and the courage of the firefighters who saved the structure during the fire. He called the restoration project an example of how great nations can “achieve the impossible,” stressing the importance of cooperation and universal brotherhood.
At the ceremony they have approximately forty heads of state and government participated, together with numerous entrepreneurs and prominent figures, including Elon Musk, present by surprise. For Italy, the President of the Republic was present Sergio Mattarella and the President of the Council Giorgia MeloniThe new US president also took part. Donald Trump and the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, while the Biden administration was represented by First Lady Jill Biden. Before the event, Trump, Zelensky and Macron met in a three-way interview.
Trilateral at the Elysée: Trump, “The world seems a little crazy”
Before the ceremony, the Elysée hosted a informal meeting between Trump, Macron and Zelensky, which lasted 35 minutes. The meeting, described by diplomatic sources as “decided at the last moment”, was aopportunity to discuss issues of global peace and security, with particular attention to the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump, on his first international trip as president-elect (although unofficial), was warmly welcomed by Macron, who recalled American solidarity during the fire at Notre Dame. “The the world seems to have gone a little crazy right now, and that’s what we’re going to talk about,” Trump told reporters before entering the halls of the presidential palace.
"United States, Ukraine and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre-Dame. We continue our joint efforts for peace and security" he wrote Emmanuel Macron on X while in Paris the reopening ceremony of the cathedral began.
Zelensky: “Positive meeting, Trump determined as always”
La Trump and Zelensky handshake has attracted much attention, given the complexity of the relationship between the two. Trump, often critical of the “endless aid” to Ukraine, has adopted a more conciliatory tone during the meeting, declaring: “Peace through strength is possible.” Zelensky called the trilateral “positive and productive“, “President Trump is as determined as ever. Thank you for that.”
The Ukrainian president added: “We talked about our people, the situation on the battlefield and a just peace for Ukraine. We all want to end this war as quickly and fairly as possible. I thank President Macron for organizing this meeting in Paris.”
Concerns about Ukraine
Despite the conciliatory tones, they remain doubts about Trump's real intentionsKnown for his ambiguous positions, he promised to resolve the conflict in “24 hours” without ever clarifying the details. Some analysts fear that his proposals could benefit Moscow.
Macron sought to balance the dialogue, reiterating the need for security guarantees for Ukraine and sustainable peace. France, a key member of NATO, continues to support Kiev, although with a less direct approach than the United States.
From the US new weapons for Ukraine
Meanwhile the US Announces New Military Aid Package for Ukraine, worth $988 million. According to the Pentagon, the support is aimed at ensuring that Kiev has the resources it needs to counter Russian aggression. The package, the twenty-second under the Biden administration, includes ammunition for Himars missile systems, drones, and equipment for the maintenance and repair of artillery, tanks and armored vehicles. The initiative is part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and is part of the cooperation with about 50 allies in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
