Key facts
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London.
- The meeting focused on defense cooperation, air defense systems, and diplomatic prospects for ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Zelensky stated that Europe must be part of negotiations and be strong.
- Macron suggested that European nations could assist Ukraine and Russia in establishing a ceasefire and a peace plan.
- Zelensky had previously proposed face-to-face talks with Vladimir Putin, which was rebuffed by the Russian president.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened in London with UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for discussions centered on enhancing European support for Ukraine and advancing peace efforts. Zelensky emphasized the necessity for Europe's active participation in negotiations, stating, "Europe must be part of the negotiations and must be strong." Macron indicated that European nations could play a role in facilitating both a ceasefire and a peace plan between Ukraine and Russia. These discussions follow Zelensky's earlier proposal for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Putin declined, citing a lack of sincerity and the need for a long-term agreement. The meetings underscore the ongoing efforts by key European allies to coordinate strategies and increase pressure on Russia to end the conflict, now in its fifth year.