The leaders of the so-called E3 nations—British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—convened in London today for crucial talks on the war in Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to join them shortly. The high-level meeting at 10 Downing Street takes place just days after three days of intensive discussions between US and Ukrainian representatives in Florida, which concluded without an apparent breakthrough. This comes amid intensified pressure from Washington for a swift end to the conflict, which some sources suggest may involve major territorial concessions from Kyiv. The atmosphere surrounding the talks is strained by recent comments from the US side, including President Donald Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, who warned that his father might withdraw support for the war effort, claiming the White House threat to pull support was "common sense." Trump Jr.’s intervention mirrors the antipathy toward the Ukrainian government among certain figures in the Trump team, coinciding with reports that the US negotiating team is pressuring Kyiv to cede territory, reports The WP Times with reference to Тhe guardian.
The leaders of the three European powers—Britain, France, and Germany—arrived at Downing Street this afternoon for the closed-door talks. Friedrich Merz was punctual, arriving first, followed by Emmanuel Macron, who greeted reporters with a wave and a thumbs up. Both leaders, alongside Keir Starmer, declined to engage with shouted questions about the US plan possibly being too soft on Russia, whether the US is sidelining Europe, or if UK troops would be deployed to Ukraine, instead offering smiles and waves before heading inside. Their meeting is expected to focus on the next steps in coordinating European strategy regarding the war. The European leaders are acutely aware of the growing American skepticism toward continued engagement.
Discussions are expected to center on complex issues, particularly the contentious matter of territory. An official familiar with the negotiations, speaking anonymously, described territory as the “most problematic issue” in talks to end the conflict, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin "does not want to enter into an agreement without territory." The same source added that "The Americans are pressuring, like ‘faster, faster, faster,’" while Ukraine "cannot agree to everything without working out the details." Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there are competing visions among the US, Russia, and Ukraine regarding a territorial resolution, confirming that a unified view on the Donbas has yet to be reached.
In parallel with the London summit, several other pressing issues are influencing the European perspective. The leaders of seven EU countries, including Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ireland, and Sweden, have collectively backed a reparations loan for Ukraine, funded by the cash balances from frozen Russian assets, describing it as the “most financially feasible and politically realistic solution.” This proposal, also supported by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aims to secure urgent funding for Kyiv. Furthermore, the European Union has publicly responded to strong anti-EU rhetoric from Elon Musk and the new US national security strategy, which drew praise from the Kremlin for being "largely consistent" with Russian thinking. European Council President António Costa rejected any attempt by the United States to interfere in European politics, stating that Washington “cannot replace European citizens in choosing which parties are good and which are bad.” Following his discussions in London, President Zelenskyy is later scheduled to travel to Brussels to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa.
Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life: Meghan Contacts Estranged Father Thomas Markle After Amputation Reports.
