Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed Donald Trump’s drive to end the war in Ukraine “as soon as possible” in a surprise meeting organised by Emmanuel Macron ahead of the reopening of Notre-Dame.

The three men met on Saturday at the Élysée Palace to discuss their co-operation on “defence and offence” in Ukraine, Mr Trump said, adding that the world was “going a little crazy right now”.

The president-elect also met the Prince of Wales on the sidelines of the ceremony, in his first contact with the Royal family since leaving office in 2021.

They were due to meet formally later on Saturday night to discuss the “special relationship” between Britain and the US.