France, April 18 -- In a potential breakthrough, US, European, and Ukrainian leaders- gathered in Paris to launch a new phase of diplomacy aimed at ending the war in Ukraine-have hailed the meeting as a constructive step toward peace.

France has welcomed a promising start to a renewed diplomatic push on Ukraine, following high-level talks in Paris on Thursday involving US and European leaders.

Negotiations aim to establish a concerted effort to bring an end to the war now dragging into its third year.

The meeting saw US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassert Washington's peace framework, with France describing the talks as the beginning of a "positive process" that crucially includes European voices.

President Emmanuel Macron hosted ...