Macron, Starmer, Merz to Meet Zelenskyy in London to Boost Ukraine Support

French President Emmanuel Macron is traveling to London for a critical meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aimed at bolstering support for Ukraine. The discussions will initially be trilateral before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joins the summit.

The meeting's primary objective is to coordinate a unified strategy for sustained support to Ukraine and to intensify pressure on Russia's war effort. According to the Élysée Palace, the summit will also serve to "take stock of the work undertaken in favor of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and on the European continent," particularly within the framework of the "Coalition of the Willing."

President Zelenskyy is actively seeking to galvanize European leaders to intensify their efforts to end the conflict. This comes amid growing concerns about waning attention from the United States, particularly in light of current tensions with Iran. Zelenskyy recently made a public appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a direct meeting to negotiate an end to the war, an initiative the Kremlin has acknowledged.

Macron reiterated the necessity of direct dialogue, stating, "We have always advocated for direct negotiations between Ukraine and the Kremlin." He added, "I believe that Ukraine and Russia are the ones who can build both a ceasefire and a peace plan. Europeans can help with this." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also affirmed Western openness to dialogue, noting, "We are open to dialogue, what is missing is Putin's willingness."

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Întâlnirea le va permite să continue coordonarea strânsă în ce priveşte agenda noastră comună de continuare a sprijinului pentru Ucraina şi creştere a presiunii asupra efortului de război al Rusiei.