After a first stop in London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Paris today as part of a mini-tour of his biggest European allies to drum up more support in the face of Russian aggression, without reportedly referring to any ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart exchanged a warm and prolonged handshake before their bilateral meeting. The truce “is not an issue in our talks with our allies”, the Ukrainian president said at the end of this meeting, attributing the information about it to Russian “disinformation”.

He also called, as he does elsewhere, for a rapid increase in Western aid. “Ahead of winter, we need your support,” he stressed.

Emmanuel Macron, for his part, assured that France’s aid continues “in accordance with its commitments” and underlined “the progress in training and equipping a brigade. This is also an example of unique cooperation”, he argued.

Zelensky is expected in Rome tonight and in Berlin tomorrow, Friday, less than a month before the US presidential election, the uncertain outcome of which is raising fears in Kiev about continued US support.

The prospect of a Donald Trump victory was however played down by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in London “Stop worrying about a Trump presidency,” he told reporters.

“I am absolutely convinced that the United States will continue to be involved because they understand that this is not only about Ukraine but also about their own country,” the NATO chief added.