European leaders met in London on Monday for urgent discussions on how to push the war in Ukraine toward a just and stable resolution. With Russian attacks still battering Ukrainian cities and US pressure mounting, the meeting at Downing Street came at a critical moment for both Europe and global security.
Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London warning that Ukraine can no longer “manage” without the combined backing of Europe and the United States. He joined UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz for talks focused on shaping a peace framework and securing long-term guarantees that prevent Vladimir Putin from restarting the conflict.
The tension surrounding the talks heightened after Donald Trump publicly criticized Zelensky, claiming the Ukrainian president had not fully engaged with the latest US peace proposal. While Trump insisted Russia was open to the deal, European leaders made clear that any agreement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent future aggression.
Keir Starmer emphasized that the only acceptable outcome is a “just and lasting” ceasefire paired with firm security guarantees. He stressed that Europe must continue strengthening Ukraine’s defences as diplomacy moves forward, especially with tens of thousands of Ukrainians still living without heat or electricity due to Russian strikes.
Zelensky echoed those concerns, highlighting the need for unity among Europe, Ukraine and the United States. Without new aid packages, Ukraine could face a funding shortfall as early as March or April, adding urgency to the discussions.
According to a readout from Downing Street, leaders agreed to keep increasing economic pressure on the Kremlin while exploring faster ways to use immobilised Russian sovereign assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction. British officials suggested progress on this front may come soon.
Germany’s Friedrich Merz, speaking candidly before the talks, admitted he remained “sceptical” of some elements in the US-backed proposal. Even so, he underscored that Germany’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, calling the country’s fate inseparable from Europe’s security future.
France’s Emmanuel Macron pointed out that Ukraine’s allies hold significant leverage. From sanctions and military support to Ukraine’s own resistance on the ground, he argued that the next step is aligning the positions of Europe, Ukraine and the US to finalize a peace framework that strengthens collective security.
After the London meeting, Zelensky headed to Brussels for further talks with NATO’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte and top EU leaders. He is scheduled to visit Rome on Tuesday as part of ongoing efforts to secure coordinated Western support.
The diplomatic push comes shortly after the release of a new US national security strategy that places improved relations with Moscow among Washington’s priorities. The Kremlin welcomed the document, raising concerns among some European policymakers about potential US-Russia backchannel deals.
Zelensky has firmly denied agreeing to any land-swap proposals involving Donetsk or Luhansk, insisting that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is not up for negotiation.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is in Washington meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate strategies on ending the war, reinforcing transatlantic security cooperation and addressing the situation in Gaza.
As leaders from London to Brussels to Washington scramble to shape the next phase of diplomacy, the coming weeks may determine whether the conflict moves closer to peace or enters another dangerous chapter.
Comments
Post a Comment