Allies of Ukraine have come together to support Kyiv in the face of pressure from Donald Trump to reach a peace agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held urgent discussions in London with Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s Friedrich Merz after talks between US and Ukrainian officials failed to yield results. Concerns are rising that a potential deal with Russia, pushed by the US President due to impatience with the peace negotiations’ pace, could jeopardize Kyiv’s interests.
European leaders emphasized the necessity of “strong security assurances” in any peace settlement and reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine against Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions during a meeting in Downing Street. They also addressed progress in unlocking frozen Russian assets held by European nations following Moscow’s unlawful invasion.
British authorities anticipate a potential release of funds to aid Ukraine in the coming days, though the extent of unlocking the nearly €200 billion held by European countries remains uncertain. Despite the UK’s readiness to align with the EU on the initiatives, Belgium has expressed reservations concerning financial and legal risks.
Ukraine and its supporters are apprehensive that President Trump may push for a detrimental agreement after a 28-point plan drafted by the US was perceived as favorable to Moscow. Despite three days of negotiations in Miami between Ukrainian and US officials on a revised plan, no breakthrough has been achieved.
Donald Trump Jr, without an official government role, hinted that his father could walk away from peace efforts. President Trump criticized President Zelensky for allegedly not reviewing the latest US-brokered proposal, raising doubts about Ukraine’s stance on the matter.
The recent US national security strategy faulted European officials for impeding a resolution, a stance welcomed by the Kremlin. President Zelensky stressed the essential role of European and American support for Ukraine’s well-being and unity in addressing crucial matters.
While President Macron hinted at the leverage held by Ukraine’s allies, contrasting with Trump’s previous comments, Keir Starmer commended the US President’s efforts, acknowledging the complexities of transitioning from conflict to peace. The UK reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine and a fair, lasting ceasefire as the peace talks entered a critical phase.
Following the leaders’ meeting, Downing Street disclosed that national security advisers would continue discussions in the coming days. The leaders emphasized the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine with robust security guarantees, underscoring Europe’s solidarity with Ukraine against relentless attacks and discussing the utilization of immobilized Russian assets to aid Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The Prime Minister engaged in a call with European allies post-meeting, where a commitment to intensify support for Ukraine and increase economic pressure on Putin to end the ongoing conflict was made.