·
·
World
Leaders of Britain, France, and Germany plan to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky in London to discuss involving Russia in peace negotiations.
Leaders from Britain, France, and Germany intend to hold a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London on Sunday to explore ways to include Russia in negotiations aimed at ending the war that has lasted over four years, according to Bloomberg.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that the three leaders will meet Zelensky in the coming days. However, informed sources noted that Zelensky's plans remain subject to change and the meeting could be postponed.
A group of key European allies of Ukraine is working alongside Kyiv to develop plans for involving Russia in talks to conclude the conflict.
At the European Union and Western Balkans summit in Montenegro on Friday, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš stated, "Within the European Union, there must be a leading party. US President Donald Trump does not have the time for this. He is very occupied with the Strait of Hormuz issue, and Europe must take its role in ending the war."
Britain, France, and Germany see an opportunity to encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in negotiations, especially as Ukraine achieves increasing success with drone airstrikes inside Russian territory.
Efforts to have the European Union lead a new round of peace talks with Russia have raised concerns among some countries. Baltic states expressed at a recent EU ambassadors meeting that the bloc should proceed cautiously and delay any new initiatives, while other countries supported further discussion before launching any fresh efforts.
The group of major European allies of Ukraine continues to coordinate with Kyiv on plans to involve Russia in peace talks, perceiving a shift in momentum that strengthens President Zelensky’s position, Bloomberg reported.
Speaking at the EU and Western Balkans summit in Montenegro on Thursday, Zelensky said, "We have always supported direct negotiations between Ukraine and the Kremlin. Europeans are the ones who can help."
Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine with thousands of drones and hundreds of missiles amid Kyiv’s concerns about the depletion of its air defenses and waning military support.
Critics of engaging in direct talks with Russia at this time, including officials from the European Three (E3) group, argue that the moment is not right for negotiations with Moscow. They note that "Putin has shown no serious willingness to negotiate and continues to insist on difficult demands, including Ukraine ceding territories not controlled by Moscow."
This latest diplomatic move coincides with Zelensky proposing the resumption of peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, issuing a rare and sharply worded open message to the Russian leader.
Peace negotiations led by the United States with Russia have stalled after US President Donald Trump shifted his focus to the Iranian conflict and talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route closed by Tehran, which disrupted the global economy.
