Zelensky slams Russia over ceasefire stance as allies unite

European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron participate in a video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss peace efforts and the war in Ukraine (Illustrative image) (Photo by PHILIPPE MAGONI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Getty Images

Russia is complicating efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed, as European leaders prepare to rally behind Ukraine ahead of crucial talks with Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader criticised Moscow's refusal to agree to a temporary halt in fighting before engaging in peace negotiations.

Zelensky said: "We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation."

Alaska summit yields no breakthrough

Trump and Putin met in Alaska on Friday but failed to reach any ceasefire agreement. The Russian president described the talks as "timely" and "useful" after leaving, while Trump suggested it was time for Zelensky to make a deal to end the war.

Putin demanded full control of the occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions as a condition for ending the conflict. In exchange, he would reportedly give up other Ukrainian territories currently held by Russian forces.

European leaders unite behind Ukraine

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will host a coalition of willing meeting on Sunday afternoon alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The 2pm UK time video conference will bring together allies planning to police any future peace deal in Ukraine.

Zelensky is expected to join the virtual meeting before travelling to Washington for talks with Trump in the Oval Office on Monday. Starmer commended Trump's "pursuit of an end to the killing" but insisted Ukraine's leader must not be excluded from future peace negotiations.

Constitutional and military challenges

Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest Russian forces are staging fake territorial gains videos to influence Trump's perception of the conflict. However, Ukraine's constitution makes territorial concessions legally impossible without amendments, according to analysis of the legal framework.

UK Ministry of Defence assessments indicate Russia would need 4.4 years and 1.93 million casualties to capture remaining Ukrainian territory by force. Currently, 88% of the Donbas region remains under Russian control, with Ukraine still holding 6,600 square kilometres of the strategically important industrial heartland.

Warning of escalation ahead

Zelensky warned Russia may intensify strikes against Ukraine in coming days "in order to create more favourable political circumstances for talks with global actors". European leaders appeared increasingly confident Trump will offer air support guarantees to back up allied ground troops should they be deployed to maintain peace.

Experts have warned the Alaska summit risks legitimising Putin, who has been made a pariah by the international community for invading Ukraine. The face-to-face meeting marks a significant shift in diplomatic engagement with the Russian leader.

Sources used: "PA Media", "Independent", "Daily Mail", "HuffPost UK", "The i", "Mirror", "Evening Standard" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.