Leaders of the UK, France, and Germany have expressed their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's call for direct ceasefire talks with Russia. This support was announced in a joint statement following defense-focused discussions held in London on Sunday.
Zelenskiy met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at 10 Downing Street. The meeting took place as the fifth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approached.
Call for Direct Dialogue
The joint statement highlighted support for the proposal to establish direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, with active involvement from the US and Europe, aimed at achieving a ceasefire and facilitating subsequent negotiations. The leaders also stressed that the current front line should be the starting point for these talks.
The statement further emphasized that international borders cannot be changed by force, underscoring the importance of maintaining a diplomatic framework for the future of the conflict.
Zelenskiy's Proposal to Moscow
In an open letter published on Thursday, Zelenskiy proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin rejected this option, stating that a meeting would be meaningless without an agreement on a possible peace deal.
These exchanges indicate a renewed momentum in diplomatic efforts to end the war. The London meeting highlighted Europe's position on this issue once again.
Emphasis on Military Support and Defense
The leaders also pointed to the urgent need to increase production of interceptor missiles and jointly develop ballistic missile defense systems and deep strike capabilities. This message came alongside calls not only for diplomacy but also for strengthening defense capacities.
The UK, French, and German leaders condemned Russia's extensive missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, noting the tragic impact these assaults have had on civilians.
It was reported that Ukraine is requesting more ammunition from Western allies for its air defense, continuing to seek support amid daily attacks. Zelenskiy's goal is to open a new front by increasing pressure on Russia to bring the conflict to an end.
The E3 Group's Stance on Ukraine
The E3 group, consisting of the UK, France, and Germany, has been among Ukraine's leading supporters since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The UK and France also lead a coalition of willing countries aiming to provide security guarantees to Ukraine as part of the peace process.
The recent talks in London marked a new step in Europe's efforts to strengthen a unified approach on both ceasefire and security arrangements.
