The First Couple of France, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, and the First Couple of Ukraine, Volodymyr and Olena Zelenska, met at the Élysée Palace

On 6 June 2024, an official international ceremony was held in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy. This military operation was a turning point in the Second World War and a great victory for the entire world.

The ceremony was attended by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. As a part of this visit, a meeting also took place at the Élysée Palace between the First Couple of France and the First Couple of Ukraine.

During the visit, the First Ladies had the opportunity to discuss current issues.

Olena Zelenska spoke about the energy crisis and power outages in Ukraine caused by Russian attacks. The First Ladies also discussed Ukrainian children studying in France, currently numbering about 18,000. Mrs Macron praised their sociability, resilience, and adaptability. The First Ladies touched on current educational topics such as bullying, the impact of gadgets on children, and the mental health of young people.

The First Lady of Ukraine also discussed the International Medical Partnership programme, in which Mrs Macron expressed deep interest. The First Ladies agreed to deepen cooperation in physical and mental health.

Additionally, Mrs Brigitte Macron expressed her admiration for the Ukrainian Centre in Vilnius, which she visited during her trips to Lithuania, and asked Olena Zelenska about Ukrainian athletes who will compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

At the end of the meeting, Olena Zelenska invited Mrs Macron to the fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.