Zelenskyy Meets European Leaders in London Amid Deadlocked Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London on Monday to discuss ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. The summit comes amid a deadlock in US-led talks and increasing pressure on Ukraine to accept a revised peace plan.
Background and Context
The meeting at Downing Street was attended by the leaders from Ukraine, France, and Germany in a show of support for Ukraine. The discussion focused on the ongoing negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials aimed at finding an agreement on guaranteeing Ukraine's postwar security123. This followed three days of discussions between US and Ukrainian representatives in Florida, which failed to achieve a breakthrough4.
Key Developments
During the consultations, the main topics were security issues and long-term financing for Ukraine5. The Ukrainian leader faces rising pressure from the US to accept a deal that Russia hints meets its wishes6. However, Zelenskyy has stressed the importance of unity between Ukraine, Europe, and the US, emphasizing that a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine has to be just and lasting78.
Starmer, hosting the meeting, described the current moment as a critically important stage in the peace process2. France's Macron reiterated his 'unwavering support' to Kiev and stressed the need to continue putting pressure on Russia to force it towards peace3.
Implications and Reactions
The meeting was marked with a 'grim' tone, as European leaders appeared desperate to achieve NATO unity and protect Kiev from a 'forced peace' imposed by Washington and Moscow9. Germany's Merz expressed skepticism over some details of the US plan8.
Following the London talks, Zelenskyy is expected to head to Brussels for further discussions with NATO and EU chiefs1011. The focus of these discussions will be on achieving peace in Ukraine12.
Current Status
As the peace talks continue to drag on, US is increasing pressure on Kyiv to agree to a proposed peace deal with Russia. However, the meeting in London underscored the European allies' support for Ukraine and their commitment to finding a 'decent peace' for the country13.
There is also a proposal from the EU to use frozen Russian assets or borrowing to provide Ukraine with €90 billion. However, Russia has warned the EU and Belgium against using its assets, which it says would be an act of theft14.