Zelensky looks grim as Macron leans in for awkward hug in Kyiv – World News

President Zelenskyi looked away as Macron – who has been criticized for his recent comments on the conflict – repeatedly tried to engage the Ukrainian leader in friendly gestures

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi appeared less than impressed when he met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Kyiv on Thursday.

The embattled Ukrainian leader gave an awkward hug to Macron after the French leader was criticized for urging Ukrainian officials not to “humiliate” Russia and instead try to end the conflict by negotiating with Vladimir Putin.

At the end of a joint press conference with Zelenskyy and EU leaders in Kyiv, Macron tried to hug the Ukrainian president in front of cameras, but was met with a cold shoulder.

As Macron reached over and hugged, Zelensky appeared to hesitate before quickly patting Macron on the back, glancing towards the press and making sure the interaction with Macron was brief.

Elsewhere, Zelenskyi looked away or down as the French president repeatedly tried to engage him in overt gestures of friendship.

Zelenskyi has previously accused Macron – a self-confessed mediator in the conflict – of apologizing for Putin and his actions. The Ukrainian president said he was surprised by Macron’s recent remarks and insisted he was seeking peace by the right means.

He told the Financial Times earlier this month: “We will not humiliate anyone. We will respond in like manner.”

As calls for a ceasefire continue, Zelenskyy added that he was open to “direct negotiations” with Putin — something the Russian leader remains opposed to.

“Every war should end at the negotiating table,” Zelenskyy told FT. “That’s exactly what happened in the story. I am still determined and determined, whether I like it or not, I am ready for direct negotiations with President Putin when we are ready to seriously discuss ending this war.”

During the trip to Ukraine, EU leaders gave reassurances to Ukraine after the war-torn country expressed interest in joining the European Union.

The leaders of four EU countries – Germany, France, Italy and Romania – insist that Ukraine be granted candidate status “immediately” after its application.

The group also visited the nearby town of Irpin to see the brutal effects of Russian occupation early in the conflict.

Surrounded by devastation, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said: “We will rebuild everything.”

“They destroyed kindergartens, they destroyed playgrounds,” he added.

“Everything will be rebuilt.”