Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet British, French and German leaders in London to seek backing on defence and security, and to convene on the revised US peace plan.
Zelenskyy disclosed that the diplomatic consultations will address both immediate concerns as well as long-term funding for his country.
His meeting with key European allies comes as the United States ramps up pressure on Kyiv to agree to a peace plan designed to end the war with Russia.
A 28-point plan drawn up by President Donald Trump’s advisers that was leaked last month was widely criticised as a virtual “Russian wishlist.” Ukrainian officials then worked with European allies to try to develop a new deal, which was then shared with the US.
Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner took a revised plan to Moscow last week. They then held several days of talks with Ukrainian officials in Miami, which ended on Saturday with no breakthrough.
The biggest sticking point is understood to be a requirement that Ukraine cede control of its eastern Donbas region to Russia, which currently illegally occupies most but not all of the territory. Zelenskyy called the discussions in Miami constructive but not easy.
Trump has previously chastised Zelenskyy for refusing to give up Donbas. Ukraine and its European allies have balked at the idea of handing over land to the aggressor.
Trump expressed concern on Sunday as he asserted that Zelenskyy had not read the latest plan.
“Russia is, I believe, fine with it, but I’m not sure that Zelenskyy’s fine with it. His people love it. But he isn’t ready.”
Donald Trump
Trump’s comments, however, are contradicted by recent polling by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, which suggests a majority of Ukrainians remain opposed to territorial concessions.
The Ukrainian leader’s top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said on Monday that he would brief the President about his team’s dialogue with US officials and receive all documents related to the peace plan. US officials said that they are in the final stage of reaching an agreement. However, there has so far been little sign that either Ukraine or Russia is willing to sign a peace deal.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin has not publicly expressed approval for the latest plan. Last week, he stated that aspects of the proposal were unworkable, despite the document reportedly heavily favouring Moscow. Russia has, however, welcomed a new national security strategy issued last week by the Trump administration, stating it is largely in line with Moscow’s vision.
The publication of a new US national security strategy alarmed European leaders.
The US document last week warns that Europe faces so-called “civilizational erasure,” identifies ending the war in Ukraine as a “core” US interest, and signals a shift towards restoring “strategic stability” with Moscow .
The document also said that NATO must not be “a perpetually expanding alliance,” echoing another of Russia’s complaints.
Zelenskyy To Meet NATO, EU Leaders In Brussels Later Today
Zelenskyy will come to Brussels later today for further meetings after his talks with British, French and German leaders in London.
He will be meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and the EU leaders; Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Council President António Costa.
The Ukrainian leader’s meeting with the NATO Chief and EU leaders comes as concerns grow that the US is trying to force Kyiv to accept unfavourable terms.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, is expected in Washington, where she will meet her US counterpart, Marco Rubio. Announcing Cooper’s visit, the Foreign Office in London said, “The UK and US will reaffirm their commitment to reaching a peace deal in Ukraine.”
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