Journalism of Courage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom in London on Monday as Europe works with Washington on a possible plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at 10 Downing Street. European leaders described the moment as important in the US-led discussions on the conflict.
Starmer’s spokesman, Tom Wells, told AP: “This is the furthest we’ve got in four years, and we welcome the fact that these talks are continuing at every level.”
He said discussions would carry on in the coming days, adding that “it isn’t a straight line between conflict and peace” and that “there are still outstanding issues.”
Macron’s office said the meeting allowed leaders “to continue joint work on the US plan” and explore ways for Europe to add its own contributions, “in close coordination with Ukraine.”
In the US, President Donald Trump expressed frustration about Zelenskyy’s position, telling reporters on Sunday night that the Ukrainian leader “hasn’t yet read the proposal”.
“Russia is, I believe, fine with it, but I’m not sure that Zelenskyy’s fine with it,” he said, according to AP. “His people love it, but he hasn’t read it.” As per AP reports, it was unclear why Trump thought Zelenskyy had not reviewed the plan.
Before Monday’s meeting, Starmer called the push for peace a “critical stage”. Merz said he was “sceptical” about some parts of the US documents and added: “We have to talk about it. That’s why we are here. The coming days could be a decisive time for all of us.”
European leaders are seeking to ensure that any ceasefire includes firm security guarantees from both Europe and the US to prevent renewed Russian attacks. Trump has not publicly given such commitments.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that talks with leaders of Britain, Germany, and France in London had productive, adding that the peace proposals were being finalised and would be shared with the United States on Tuesday. “I think the plan will be ready tomorrow, sometime in the evening.
I think we will look at it again and send it to the US,” said Zelenskyy, who was flying from London to Brussels for meetings with the leaders of NATO and the EU. Zelenskyy said the new proposals on how to end the war included 20 points, but that there was still no compromise over territory.
Macron’s office said national security advisers were finalising proposals for strong guarantees and planning for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
US and Ukrainian teams finished three days of talks on Saturday on narrowing differences in the American proposal. Zelenskyy said on Telegram the discussions had been “substantive” and that senior officials were returning to Europe to brief him.
One major point of disagreement is a suggestion that Kyiv should give up control of the Donbas region. Russia occupies most of the territory, but Ukraine and European governments oppose handing over land.
Starmer said he “won’t be putting pressure” on Zelenskyy to accept such terms.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Ukraine should cede territory to end the nearly four-year conflict and has criticised US spending on the war.
The London talks come days after the White House released a new national security strategy, which drew concern in Europe and a positive reaction in Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the document contained “nuances” that were “appealing” and aligned with Russia’s view. It highlighted the need for dialogue and better relations, which Peskov said could open a path to restoring ties.
The document said the US wants to stabilise relations with Russia and considers ending the war essential. It also stated NATO should not be a “perpetually expanding alliance,” echoing a Russian complaint.
It criticised some European governments’ migration and free-speech policies. Starmer’s office declined to comment, saying it was a US matter.
