On November 13, 2026, French National Rally leader and 2027 presidential candidate Marine Le Pen announced she is willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels.

 

Le Pen offers to meet Zelenskyy in Brussels

On November 13, 2026, French National Rally leader and 2027 presidential candidate Marine Le Pen announced she is willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the "Salon Made in France" exhibition in Paris, Le Pen stated she will formally convey this offer during a scheduled closed-door meeting with Ukraine's Ambassador to France, Vadym Omelchenko. (Note: Reports vary slightly on the exact date of the ambassador meeting, with Politico and Ukrinform citing Monday, November 16, and The New Voice of Ukraine citing November 18.)

Why Brussels?

• European Funding Focus. Le Pen selected Brussels for a potential meeting because European financial support for Ukraine is a central point of debate across the continent.
• EU Budget Divisions. She highlighted tensions regarding German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal to tie EU long-term budget negotiations to unanimous 27-member support for Ukraine—a stance also facing resistance from Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Context on Aid and Positions

• Aid Pledge vs. Rebuttal. Leading in polls for France's 2027 presidential election, Le Pen has previously stated she would phase out French financial aid to Kyiv after six months in office, citing the high cost. President Zelenskyy has countered that Franco-Ukrainian defense ties are mutually beneficial, previously urging Le Pen to visit Kyiv and express confidence that a direct look at the situation would alter her perspective.