European Leaders Back Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks, Pledge Active Role in Peace Efforts

Britain, Germany and France on Sunday threw their weight behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing that Europe must play an active role in any effort to end the war.

In a joint statement issued after talks in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron praised Zelensky’s push for a diplomatic resolution and his call for face-to-face negotiations with Putin, with participation from both the United States and Europe.

The three leaders, part of the informal E3 alliance that has been among Ukraine’s strongest backers, met with Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street days after he published an open letter urging direct talks with Vladimir Putin to end the conflict, now entering its fifth year. Moscow rejected the proposal, with Putin saying he saw little value in such a meeting at present.

“Leaders commended President Zelensky’s call for an end to the war through diplomatic means,” the statement said, referring to the Ukrainian leader’s letter.

Europe’s Conditions for Peace

The four leaders outlined what they described as the foundations of a “just and lasting peace,” beginning with an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.

They said negotiations should start from the current frontline positions, while Ukraine must receive legally binding security guarantees, including the possible deployment of a multinational force. They also argued that frozen Russian assets should remain immobilized until Moscow compensates Ukraine for war-related damages.

The leaders further emphasized that Europe’s broader security interests must be protected in any future settlement.

Zelensky Pushes for Strong European Role

In his letter, Zelensky argued that ordinary Russians were increasingly weary of the conflict due to Ukrainian drone and missile strikes, inflation and fuel shortages, creating an opportunity for peace.

He also warned that with Washington focused on tensions involving Iran, Europe should not wait for the war in Ukraine to regain prominence on the US agenda.

Following Sunday’s meeting, Zelensky said on social media that discussions focused on reviving diplomatic efforts and ensuring Europe remained central to the peace process.

“For Ukraine, it has always been a priority that Europe’s position and voice in the negotiations be strong,” he wrote.

Putin, meanwhile, maintained his hard-line position during a meeting with international media on Thursday, though he suggested that proposals advanced by Donald Trump could help end the fighting if Kyiv were willing to make compromises.