The president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenski met with the leaders of Germany, France and the United Kingdom on Monday in London at a time erstwhile Washington puts expanding force on Kiev, demanding a faster adoption of the peace plan. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer estimated that peace negotiations on the war in Ukraine were at a “critical stage”.
The Downing Street gathering brought together German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French president Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Keira Starmer. After brief speeches in front of the media, leaders continued talks behind closed doors.
Zelenski stressed the importance of the unity of Western allies. «The thing that is very crucial present (...) is the unity of Europe, Ukraine and the USA», said the Ukrainian President. He pointed out that there are “sensitive” issues that we can’t handle without Americans (...) and that we can’t handle without Europe”.
U.S. pushes for fast decision
The AFP Agency has informed, citing a advanced source, that the United States is putting force on Ukraine, calling for a faster adoption of the peace plan. “faster, faster, faster”, she gave the source, describing the attitude of the American administration.
However, the Ukrainian side responds that “it cannot agree without examining all the details”. In an interview with Bloomberg Zelenski, he revealed the key question that concerns Ukrainians: «There is 1 question that I — and all Ukrainians — want to get an answer: what will our partners do if Russia starts war again?»
The president of Ukraine besides stated that there are various “visions of the USA, Russia and Ukraine” on territorial issues which stay the most hard point of negotiations.
European scepticism towards the American Plan
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed «scepticalism» to «some details contained in the papers (peace plan) of the American side». He announced that this issue would be the subject of London talks.
Merz pointed out at the same time that the coming days “may be decisive... for all of us” in the context of the situation of Ukraine. He assured that Germany, large Britain and France “still powerfully support Ukraine”. “The destiny of this country is the destiny of Europe”, emphasized the German Chancellor.
French president Emmanuel Macron stated that «We all support Ukraine and (the pursuit of) peace». He pointed out that Kiev's partners “have many cards in their hands”. He besides pointed out that «Russian economy is beginning to suffer, especially after our last sanctions».
Tensions with Trump and further diplomatic steps
On Sunday, U.S. president Donald Trump publically expressed his disappointment with Zelenski, claiming that the Ukrainian leader “had not yet read the peace plan proposal”, although according to Trump the plan was delivered “[...] a fewer hours ago”. Trump stated that Russia “does not mind” proposals and “thinks Russia agrees”.
After a gathering in London, Zelenski planned evening talks in Brussels with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. According to the British Prime Minister's office, the discussions are to focus on «permanent peace negotiations and next steps».
After meetings in Brussels, telephone consultations are planned with Finnish, Italian and NATO and European Union leaders.
Note: This article was created utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI).
