Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with European leaders at Downing Street on Monday to secure continued support for his country as Ukraine faces potential financial collapse by March or April without further aid.
US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Zelensky for not reading a peace plan just one day before the meeting. Trump told reporters: "I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn't yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago. His people love it, but he hasn't,"
Trump added that he believes Russia's Vladimir Putin is fine with the plan but expressed doubt about Zelensky's acceptance. The US president's comments underscore mounting pressure on Ukraine to accept a deal as Washington's patience appears to wear thin.
Europe's Balancing Act
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for crisis talks focused on a peace process for Ukraine and unlocking frozen Russian assets for reconstruction.
European leaders are navigating a delicate position between supporting Ukraine and avoiding confrontation with the Trump administration. A US National Security Strategy document published Friday criticized European "unrealistic expectations" regarding the war's conclusion and prioritized "strategic stability" with Russia.
Starmer told other leaders on Monday: "We are at a critical stage in the push for peace. The principles remain the same: we stand with Ukraine, and if there is to be a ceasefire, it needs to be a just and lasting ceasefire." The Prime Minister told the Press Association that any deal must include "hard-edged security guarantees".
German Chancellor Merz expressed reservations about the US approach, stating he remained "sceptical about some of the details which we are seeing in the documents coming from the US side" but acknowledged "we have to talk about it".
Ukraine's Urgent Need
Before the meeting began, Zelensky stressed the critical importance of unity, saying the talks were "very important for unity between Europe and Ukraine, and also unity between Europe and Ukraine and the United States". He emphasized: "We can't manage without Americans, we can't manage without Europe and that is why we need to make some important decisions,"
The Ukrainian leader faces mounting pressure from multiple directions. Analysts forecast Ukraine will run out of money as soon as March or April without further aid, while the US has stopped direct assistance though it continues providing intelligence and allowing European countries to purchase American weapons for Kyiv.
Frozen Assets and Security Guarantees
The discussions centered on utilizing frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction. British officials indicated hope for progress on the issue in coming days, though Belgium has voiced concerns about financial and legal risks. The UK will move forward with the EU on the proposal.
Macron suggested allies hold "a lot of cards" through equipment funding, Ukrainian resistance, and sanctions against Russia. He said: "Now I think the main issue is the convergence between our common positions – Europeans and Ukrainians and the US – to finalise these peace negotiations and re-engage in a new phase that means the best possible conditions for Ukraine, for the Europeans, and for collective security."
After the London talks, Zelensky posted on social media: "We also held a separate discussion on further defence support for Ukraine. I am grateful to the leaders for their willingness to stand with our people and help us on the path toward bringing peace closer,"
Starmer praised Trump's efforts, telling reporters: "It's always a complicated business, but I do think that we're making progress, and I think what President Trump has been able to achieve in the last few weeks, getting it this far, has been the furthest we've got in the four years. And I therefore pay tribute to him for that, and hopefully we can make some further progress this afternoon."
Following the Downing Street meeting, Zelensky traveled to Brussels to meet with NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa. He will visit Rome on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is in Washington for talks with US counterpart Marco Rubio on ending the war in Ukraine, global security cooperation, and the Gaza ceasefire.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
