European leaders convened in London on Monday in a show of continued support for Ukraine as doubts mount over Washington’s latest bid to negotiate an end to the war with Russia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, in a meeting that underscored Europe’s growing unease over parts of the US plan.
The talks came after days of stalled discussions between Ukrainian and American officials in Miami and new criticism from US President Donald Trump, who alleged Zelensky hadn’t fully reviewed the proposal.
Concerns of Europe over the US Proposal
Germany’s Friedrich Merz was blunt in voicing his skepticism, observing that many aspects of the US proposal raised serious questions for European partners. He did not spell out details, but European officials privately argue that previous drafts seemed too biased toward Russian positions.
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Macron emphasized that this was the challenge getting Europe’s position aligned with Kyiv’s while maintaining openness to Washington. The subtext was not hard to decode: Europe wants peace, but not at the expense of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
UK’s Position & Starmer’s Approach
Prime Minister Starmer greeted Zelensky with a warm hug before the talks but signaled that he would not push Ukraine to accept any settlement it saw as unfair. Starmer underscored the point that every road to ending the conflict must be stable and fair simultaneously, underlining that a forced settlement might rebound.
A central topic of the discussion was how Europe could utilize frozen Russian assets in an effort to offer Kyiv long-term financial support an issue that has brought warnings from Moscow of catastrophic economic consequences.
Zelensky’s Response & Stalled Negotiations
Zelensky characterized the latest round of negotiations with US emissaries in Miami as constructive but incomplete. He made clear that Ukraine stays committed to working with Washington, but warned that some decisions cannot move forward without both American and European cooperation.
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Officials close to the negotiations said that territorial issues remain the most difficult sticking point, reflecting a deep divide between Kyiv’s red lines and Washington’s expectations for compromise.
Reactions from Washington & Moscow
Trump added to the drama with public frustration aimed at Zelensky for not reviewing the proposal fast enough. Kremlin officials, meanwhile dismissed several parts of the plan following meetings with US envoys and showed little interest in concessions. An angry Macron shot back that Moscow was ratcheting up pressure rather than working toward peace.
What is the Uncertain Road Ahead
The US initially floated a plan that involved Ukraine ceding territory in exchange for limited security guarantees, an idea widely rejected by Kyiv’s allies. With Trump veering wildly between support and criticism and Moscow unmoved, the route to peace is unclear.
As Europe prepares for further talks, one reality stands out: unity among Ukraine’s allies will be essential if any viable and lasting agreement is to emerge.
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Disclaimer: This article provides analysis based on current reports and should not be considered official diplomatic guidance or a substitute for verified government statements.
