LONDON – Zelenskiy Meets European Leaders Amid Ongoing Conflict

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held discussions with the leaders of France, Germany, and Britain in London on Monday. This meeting is part of efforts by Ukraine’s European allies to bolster the nation’s position during challenging negotiations concerning a U.S.-supported initiative aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine war.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer was scheduled to meet with Zelenskiy, President Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British prime minister.

Zelenskiy mentioned on Sunday evening that the agenda for talks in London and Brussels would center around security, air defense, and sustainable funding for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. The goal is to ensure that any potential ceasefire is supported by robust security guarantees from both Europe and the United States to deter future attacks from Russia.

On Saturday, negotiators from the U.S. and Ukraine wrapped up a three-day meeting focused on reconciling differences regarding Washington’s peace proposal.

Zelenskiy described these discussions as “substantive” in a Telegram message. He indicated that Rustem Umerov, head of the National Security and Defense Council, and Andriy Khnatov, chief of the General Staff, were returning to Europe to update him.

However, a significant concern regarding the proposal is that it would require Ukraine to relinquish control over the eastern Donbas region to Russia, which currently occupies a substantial part of the territory. This notion has met with resistance from Ukraine and its European allies.

Mr. Starmer emphasized that he wouldn’t pressure Zelenskiy into agreeing to the peace deal. He stated, “The priority is to achieve a halt to hostilities. We expect a cessation, but it needs to be fair and enduring. That’s what we’ll be concentrating on today,” he told ITV.

In a comment to reporters on Sunday night, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in Zelenskiy, alleging that the Ukrainian leader hadn’t reviewed the proposal yet. “I think Russia’s on board, but it’s unclear if Zelenskiy is,” Trump remarked before attending the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington. “His team supports this plan, but he hasn’t read it.”

Trump’s relationship with Zelenskiy has fluctuated since he began his second term, often criticizing wars as costly for U.S. taxpayers. He has repeatedly urged for land concessions to Russia as a means to resolve the drawn-out conflict.

The discussions in Europe followed the release of a new U.S. national security strategy, causing unease among European leaders while being welcomed by Russia.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that the document outlines the regime’s foreign policy interests and aligns well with the Kremlin’s perspective. He suggested that the emphasis on fostering constructive relations with Russia is appealing and aligns with their view, hinting at potential for improving the currently strained bilateral ties.

A recent White House document expressed that the U.S. aims to mend relations with Russia after a period of viewing it as a global outcast. It emphasized that ceasing the war is crucial for restoring strategic stability with Russia. The document also indicated that NATO’s expansion could not be perpetual, addressing concerns raised by Russia, while sharply critiquing the immigration and speech policies of its European allies.

Starmer’s administration has chosen not to comment on the U.S. document, framing it as a matter for the American government.

Meanwhile, Russian forces persisted in their assaults on Ukraine as diplomatic discussions continued. Russian drones targeted a residential high-rise in northeastern Oktyrka overnight, with reports of seven injuries and considerable damage.

In another instance, a drone explosion outside a Chernihiv residential building injured three individuals, damaging nearby infrastructure, including a kindergarten and gas lines.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia deployed 149 drones nationally overnight, with 131 being intercepted and 16 successfully hitting targets.

Regarding Ukraine’s defensive efforts, Russian forces claimed to have shot down 67 Ukrainian drones over 11 regions overnight, as per the Russian Ministry of Defense.