Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared this a "crucial moment" for Ukraine's security during urgent discussions with key European allies. The talks come just before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet with US President Donald Trump.
European Leaders Reaffirm Unwavering Support
In a call on Friday, Sir Keir spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. A Downing Street spokesperson said the three leaders reiterated their "unshakeable commitment" to achieving a "just and lasting peace" for Ukraine. They stressed the importance of continuing to make progress in negotiations in the coming days.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the situation remains critical not only for Ukraine but for security across the entire Euro-Atlantic region. This high-level diplomatic coordination underscores Europe's united front as the conflict enters a potentially pivotal phase.
Zelensky's High-Stakes Trip to Meet Trump
The European leaders' call was timed ahead of President Zelensky's planned trip to the United States. The Ukrainian leader stated he will meet President Trump in Florida over the weekend to discuss security guarantees and a peace plan he says is "about 90% ready".
Zelensky indicated the discussions would cover an economic agreement and territorial issues. He expressed hope that European leaders, potentially including Sir Keir and President Macron, could join the talks either on Sunday or at a later date.
This meeting marks the latest step in Donald Trump's year-long effort to broker a ceasefire, having previously vowed to end the war on his first day in office. On Christmas Eve, Zelensky revealed that the US and Ukraine had found consensus on several critical issues and suggested openness to a demilitarised zone on the eastern border with Russia.
Sticking Points and Ongoing Conflict
Despite potential progress, significant hurdles remain. President Zelensky has continued to resist Russian demands to cede the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. Furthermore, Moscow is expected to object to any proposed role for NATO forces in monitoring a ceasefire, a condition European leaders insist must be part of any deal.
Other European demands include allowing Ukraine to maintain a substantial peace-time military and to pursue membership of the European Union. The United States has reportedly offered unspecified security guarantees as part of the proposed agreement.
Meanwhile, the brutal reality of war continues. Early on Friday, Russian missile and drone strikes hit targets across Ukraine. In response, Kyiv claimed it used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict even as diplomatic efforts accelerate.
