Zelenskyy Meets UK, French, German Leaders; Joint Statement Backs Direct Russia Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in London, issuing a joint statement that backs his proposal for direct ceasefire negotiations with Russia. The meeting, held on Sunday, included British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

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support for the proposal for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, with the active participation of the United States and Europe, to achieve a ceasefire and support further negotiations.

The joint statement expressed support for "the proposal for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, with the active participation of the United States and Europe, to achieve a ceasefire and support further negotiations." The leaders also stressed that the "current line of contact should serve as the starting point for negotiations" and that "international borders cannot be changed by force."

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the current line of contact should serve as the starting point for negotiations.

This diplomatic engagement follows Zelenskyy's public appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, where he proposed an in-person meeting to end the war. "Ukraine proposes to end this war through direct contact between us," Zelenskyy wrote in his open letter.

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international borders cannot be changed by force.

Kyiv continues to request increased military aid from its Western allies, particularly focusing on air defense munitions, to counter daily Russian attacks. The meeting in London underscores the ongoing international efforts to find a path toward de-escalation and a lasting peace settlement, while maintaining a firm stance on Ukraine's territorial integrity.

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Ukraine proposes to end this war through direct contact between us.