President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday insisted during a meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump that any settlement with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine had to be "just," amid growing concerns in Kyiv about the position of the incoming administration.

President Emmanuel Macron hosted three-way talks with Zelensky and Trump at the Elysee Palace, where they discussed what the incoming American president had described as a world that was "a little crazy."

Hours after their meeting, the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden announced a new $988 million military assistance package for Ukraine.

The package includes drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks, and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement.

Zelensky's meeting with Trump, which occurred just before the three men attended the re-opening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral, was his first face-to-face encounter with the tycoon-turned-politician since Trump's election victory.

The meeting carried significant weight for Zelensky, given concerns in Kyiv that Trump, who once claimed he could end Russia's war on Ukraine in 24 hours, might press Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow.

It also provided Macron with a rare opportunity to glean insights into how a second Trump presidency might unfold when he assumes office in January. The trip to Paris marked Trump’s first international visit since his November 5 election win.

"We all want peace. But it is very important for us... that the peace is just for all of us and that Russia, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or any other aggressor has no possibility of ever returning," Zelensky said, according to the presidential website.

"And this is the most important thing -- a just peace and security guarantees, strong security guarantees for Ukraine," he added.

Trump has criticized the billions of dollars in US military assistance to Ukraine and has spoken of pursuing a quick settlement.

Nevertheless, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump for his "unwavering resolve," describing the talks as "good and productive."

'Going a little crazy'

Trump and Macron embraced and shook hands multiple times on the steps of the French presidential palace, with Trump receiving a full guard of honor despite not yet being in office.

"It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now, and we will be talking about that," Trump told reporters before the talks with Macron.

Despite tensions between the two during his first term, Trump praised his ties with the centrist French leader, stating, "We had a great relationship as everyone knows. We accomplished a lot."

Macron welcomed Trump by saying it was "a great honor for French people to welcome you" for the Notre Dame re-opening ceremony, which marked the restoration of the cathedral following the devastating 2019 fire during Trump’s first term.

"You were president at that time, and I remember the solidarity and the immediate reaction," Macron added, speaking in English.

When Trump first took office in 2017, his relationship with Macron—then also a newcomer on the global stage—began warmly despite their political differences. Their prolonged, firm handshakes became a notable feature before relations later cooled, with disputes over climate change, trade, and defense.

Trump wrote earlier on his Truth Social platform that the United States should "not get involved" in the situation in Syria, where fast-moving rebel forces claim to have begun encircling the capital, Damascus.

The Republican's return to power has raised concerns in Paris and other European capitals due to his campaign promises to impose an end to fighting in Ukraine and to levy tariffs on trading partners.

In his own response to the discussions, Macron wrote on social media: "Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security."

While European allies have worked closely with Biden on the Middle East crisis, Trump is expected to shift US policy, further aligning with Israel.

Highlighting the importance of Trump's one-day Paris visit, he was accompanied by his pick for White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, as well as advisors on Near East and Middle East affairs, Steve Witkoff and Massad Boulos, according to the Elysee Palace guest list.

Tesla CEO and Trump advisor Elon Musk, who participated in a phone call between Trump and Zelensky last month, also flew into the French capital and attended the Notre Dame ceremony.