Starmer to convene Zelensky, Macron and Merz for peace negotiations

Sir Keir Starmer will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street on Monday for an urgent summit reviewing the current peace negotiation process. Joining the British Prime Minister will be French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The European leaders aim to safeguard Ukraines interests amid ongoing US-led talks with Russia, a concern Macron highlighted in a recent leaked conversation.

The summit follows intensive discussions in Miami where Ukrainian officials met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. A controversial 28-point plan proposed by the US and Russia suggested Ukraine relinquish territory in eastern Donbas and reduce its armed forces. This plan faced strong resistance from Kyiv and European capitals, leading to a condensed 20-point version presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has insisted on full control over Donetsk, leaving negotiations at a standstill.

On Saturday, Zelensky described a long and substantive phone call with Witkoff and Kushner, focusing on key steps to halt bloodshed and prevent a renewed full-scale Russian invasion. Kyiv has demanded concrete US security guarantees to ensure enforcement of any agreement. European leaders have expressed concerns that the US may push for a hasty deal with Russia that could leave Ukraine vulnerable.

The main fear is that a US pivot away from Zelensky could force Ukraine to withdraw forces from Donbas without sufficient protection, potentially halting the supply of American weapons and intelligence. UK officials remain hopeful that the US could reverse course if Putin rejects the next proposed deal. A joint statement from the Miami discussions emphasized that lasting peace depends on Russias willingness to commit to long-term agreements.

The London summit will also serve as a reunion for Starmer, Zelensky, Macron, and Merz, meeting together for the first time since Kyiv in May. The leaders are calling for a 30-day full ceasefire and warning of sanctions should Russia refuse. The meeting demonstrates a unified European stance in support of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukraine faces ongoing military pressure. On Friday, Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault, deploying 653 drones and 51 missiles. Ukrainian forces defended key cities in Donetsk, though Moscow is expected to secure strategic locations after 18 months of combat. Ukrainian forces also carried out retaliatory strikes on the Ryazan oil refinery in Russia.

Poland and other NATO members scrambled fighter jets in response to the Russian attacks, though no airspace breaches were reported. Russia employed aircraft capable of firing hypersonic missiles and launched 17 ballistic missiles alongside drones and cruise missiles targeting multiple Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepted a significant portion of the incoming attacks.

Regional incidents included threats from Chechnyas leader Ramzan Kadyrov following an alleged drone strike, and a temporary loss of off-site power at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europes largest, which relies on external power to maintain safety.

Despite the setbacks and escalating attacks, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraines determination to pursue peace through negotiations with the US while maintaining national defense. The Ukrainian president praised the ongoing dialogue with American counterparts as constructive and focused on securing a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.

Author: Caleb Jennings