European Leaders Offer Support for Ukraine-Russia Negotiations

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Kyiv: The leaders of Britain, France, and Germany have voiced support for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia to secure a ceasefire, promising that Europe would play an active part in any potential future peace negotiations.

Following talks in London with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported Zelenskyy's proposal for open discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with participation from both the US and Europe.

The leaders emphasised in a joint statement that an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire should be the first step toward a ‘just and lasting peace.’ They also stressed the need of protecting Europe's broader security goals, keeping the freezing of Russian assets until wartime damages are compensated, and providing security assurances for Ukraine.

According to Zelenskyy, the talks focused on restoring diplomacy and making sure Europe continues to have a powerful voice in future negotiations. In light of the ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, he also urged his request for more air defence support.

Putin has already rejected the idea of a direct meeting with Zelenskyy, insisting that such negotiations should be preceded by broader agreements, though he has stated that peace proposals might work if Kyiv is willing to compromise.