Ukrainian President Visits London
LONDON – British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer welcomed Ukrainian President Voldy Mirzelensky to London on Thursday.
Without exchanging any words, they shared a warm hug outside the iconic 10 Downing Street. Later, when Zelensky was departing, the two leaders embraced once more as he got into his waiting car.
Zelensky’s trip to the UK came just after he attended a virtual conference from Berlin with President Donald Trump and European leaders.
During that meeting, leaders reassured Zelensky that at Trump’s upcoming discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the focus would be on pursuing a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Both Zelensky and European leaders expressed concerns that the US-Russia summit could overlook their interests, possibly supporting Moscow’s position and putting Ukraine’s and Europe’s future security at risk.
Despite these worries, leaders such as German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron described the video call with Trump as productive. Trump, after addressing reporters, warned of “very serious consequences” for Russia if it does not agree to halt the war during the Friday meeting.
Upcoming Summit Details
The Kremlin announced that the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska is set to begin at 11:30 AM local time. Putin’s foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, shared that they would first have a private discussion, followed by talks between both delegations and a “working breakfast.”
Putin also convened a session with key government officials prior to the summit. In a released video, he stated that the Trump administration has shown a strong commitment to stopping the conflict, adding, “We will reach an agreement that serves the interests of all parties involved.”
He further suggested that a potential agreement regarding nuclear weapons control could be on the table.
Some leaders hinted that the Alaska summit might pave the way for a ceasefire in Ukraine but they remained cautious about Trump potentially negotiating terms that could force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia. There was a consensus on the importance of western allies being prepared to apply more pressure on Russia if the situation calls for it.
During a meeting involving leaders from countries aligned under a “coalition of will,” the emphasis was placed on ensuring that any ceasefire agreement respects Ukraine’s “territorial integrity.” One leader stated, “International borders cannot and should not be forced to change.”
Concerns Over Security Guarantees
Kiev has stressed the necessity of protection from future Russian attacks as a condition for securing lasting peace. Yet, many Western countries are hesitant to commit military personnel. The coalition, including France and the UK, is striving to ensure US security support when needed. Following the virtual session, Macron stated that NATO should not be part of future security guarantees, insisting, “the US and all involved should be engaged.”
Macron described the information received during the meeting as crucial.
However, Trump did not mention any US commitment to security assurances while addressing reporters.
Voices from Ukraine
Meanwhile, some Ukrainians are expressing skepticism about the potential for significant progress at the US-Russia summit on Friday. Oleksandra Kozlova, 39, who works in Kyiv, told reporters that many Ukrainians feel like hope for a resolution to the ongoing war is dwindling. “We’ve had so many meetings promising change, but nothing seems to improve,” she remarked.
Auto salesman Anton Vyshniak emphasized that saving military lives is paramount, even if it means making territorial concessions. “At this point, preserving lives is what truly matters. Boundaries are important, but human life is invaluable,” he expressed.
Continuing Hostilities
Zelensky announced that Ukraine was able to free 84 Russian prisoners, both soldiers and civilians. He noted that most of them require medical attention and rehabilitation. This group includes individuals held by Russia since 2014, 2016, and 2017, along with soldiers who defended Mariupol, which is currently under Russian control.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the reception of 84 soldiers as part of the exchange.
Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian missile strike injured a 7-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man in Ukraine’s Sme region. The girl is currently hospitalized in stable condition.
In the Herson area, a Russian artillery attack injured a 16-year-old boy.
On Russia’s side, a Ukrainian drone strike caused damage to several residential buildings in Rostov-on-Don, resulting in serious injuries for two individuals who were hospitalized.
