French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed Geneva as a potential venue for a highly sensitive summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking after high-level meetings in Washington, including separate talks with U.S. President Trump and fellow European leaders. Macron emphasized that such a discussion should take place in a neutral country, and specifically cited Switzerland as an ideal location. He noted that whereas their previous encounter in 2019 occurred in Paris, the current context demands a different approach.
Highlighting Geneva’s long-standing diplomatic standing and neutrality, Macron underlined the importance of avoiding any appearance of partiality. His comments come amid growing efforts to arrange direct dialogue between Putin and Zelenskyy, which may be followed by trilateral or multilateral negotiations involving the U.S. and European partners.
Switzerland swiftly reinforced Macron’s suggestion, with Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis confirming readiness to host the summit, even offering Putin legal immunity from arrest should he travel to Geneva, despite the existing International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against him. This assurance highlights both Geneva’s diplomatic viability and the symbolic weight of neutrality.
Macron also cautioned against a hasty peace agreement that could unintentionally endorse territorial conquest. He warned that recognizing border changes achieved through force would undermine the international order. Macron stressed that while Ukraine must act in its interests, any compromise should never equate to capitulation.
Amid these suggestions, other European capitals have floated alternatives, Hungary and Rome are reportedly under consideration for hosting a broader summit that could include U.S. participation. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been particularly vocal in proposing Rome, leading to some diplomatic back-and-forth.
