During talks with Zelenskyy in London, German Chancellor Merz expressed skepticism over the US peace proposal, while French President Macron highlighted that Europe holds significant leverage in ongoing negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday emphasised the importance of unity between Ukraine, Europe, and the United States during a meeting at Downing Street with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
According to a CNN report, speaking alongside some of Ukraine’s key allies, Zelenskyy said the leaders would discuss “very important” matters concerning the relationship between their countries and the US.
“Unity between Europe and Ukraine, and also between Europe, Ukraine and the United States is of key importance to the ongoing negotiations,” CNN quoted Zelenskyy as saying.
“We can’t manage without the US … We can’t manage without Europe,” Zelenskyy added. “That’s why we need to make some important decisions.”
He also thanked Starmer for organising the meeting and expressed gratitude to Macron and Merz for their attendance.
Merz skeptical of US proposal
Speaking at the same event, Merz voiced caution over the US proposal for ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, describing himself as “skeptical” about some of the details.
The Chancellor said the coming days “could be a decisive time for all of us,” referencing recent discussions in Moscow between US and Kremlin officials, and negotiations between US and Ukrainian representatives in Miami.
While Europe is “trying to continue (its) support for Ukraine… on the other hand, we are seeing these talks and negotiations in Moscow and in the US,” Merz said.
He reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine, noting that “the destiny of this country is the destiny of Europe.”
Starmer calls for ‘just and lasting’ ceasefire
Starmer also reiterated his country’s support for Ukraine, while cautioning on potential peace talks.
“If there’s to be a ceasefire, it needs to be a just and lasting ceasefire,” he was quoted as saying.
Addressing Zelenskyy directly, he added, “We stand here to support you in the conflict and support you in the negotiations and make sure that this is a just and lasting settlement if we can get that far.”
Europe has a lot of cards, says Macron
Macron highlighted Europe’s leverage in negotiations.
“Europe has a lot of cards in (its) hands,” he said, citing the economic impact of EU and US sanctions on Russia and Ukraine’s continued resistance in the war.
Macron emphasised the need for convergence between European, Ukrainian, and US positions to advance peace negotiations.
“I think the main issue is the convergence between our common positions —Europeans and Ukrainians, and the US — to finalise these peace negotiations and engage a new phase in the best possible conditions for Ukraine, for the Europeans, and for our collective security,” he said.
With inputs from agencies
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