European leaders say 'intensive work' will continue in the coming days on a US-led plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, after a joint phone call with President Donald Trump. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that this is a critical moment for Ukraine, its citizens, and shared Euro-Atlantic security. A White House official confirmed that the call took place but offered no details.
The call follows Trump's recent remarks labeling European leaders as 'weak' and suggesting that the US might reduce its support for Ukraine. In a detailed interview, Trump claimed Ukraine was leveraging the war to delay elections, which prompted President Zelensky to assert his readiness to hold elections given security assurances. President Vladimir Putin's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, sees Russia controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
In their statements, the European leaders welcomed the efforts toward a 'just and lasting peace' for Ukraine and emphasized that discussions on the peace plan are underway. The incoming document concerning the end of the conflict includes discussions on territorial issues and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Zelensky is under pressure to agree to constructively advance the negotiations, despite repeated refusals to concede territory to Russia. He has called for strong European backing against any deal that could jeopardize Ukraine's safety in the long run. Meanwhile, the Kremlin responded positively to Trump's statements, signaling alignment with their perspectives on the conflict.
The call follows Trump's recent remarks labeling European leaders as 'weak' and suggesting that the US might reduce its support for Ukraine. In a detailed interview, Trump claimed Ukraine was leveraging the war to delay elections, which prompted President Zelensky to assert his readiness to hold elections given security assurances. President Vladimir Putin's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, sees Russia controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
In their statements, the European leaders welcomed the efforts toward a 'just and lasting peace' for Ukraine and emphasized that discussions on the peace plan are underway. The incoming document concerning the end of the conflict includes discussions on territorial issues and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Zelensky is under pressure to agree to constructively advance the negotiations, despite repeated refusals to concede territory to Russia. He has called for strong European backing against any deal that could jeopardize Ukraine's safety in the long run. Meanwhile, the Kremlin responded positively to Trump's statements, signaling alignment with their perspectives on the conflict.
