Ukraine's key European allies held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday on how to revive stalled efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, with the leaders agreeing to intensify support for Kiev in the coming months.
“The main focus was on how to ensure that diplomacy for peace is reinvigorated and that Europe is part of it,” Zelensky wrote on X after a video call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
A spokesperson for Starmer, who hosted the call, reaffirmed European backing for Ukraine’s war effort and said the leaders had agreed to “double down on their support in the coming months.”
The leaders also “agreed that standing up to Russian aggression remains vital for European and global security,” the spokesperson said.
Efforts to end the more than four-year Russian invasion have stalled as the United States — which increasingly presents itself as a mediator rather than a direct ally of Ukraine — is preoccupied by its war with Iran.
To their frustration, Ukraine’s European allies have so far not been directly involved in US-mediated talks between Kiev and Moscow. Attempts by the so-called E3 countries — Germany, France and the United Kingdom — to join the negotiations have so far failed.
Earlier this week, Zelensky called for a “strong voice and presence” for Europe in the negotiation process.
Zelensky on Friday said the four countries’ national security advisers would shortly meet, while Starmer’s office said another leaders’ call was expected "soon."
The battlefield situation, where Ukraine has recently appeared to gain some momentum, was also discussed during Friday’s talks.
"All partners note that Ukraine's position is significantly stronger – both on the battlefield and in our long-range operations," he added, referring to long-range drone strikes on targets deep inside Russia, including oil industry assets vital to the Kremlin's war funding.
Zelensky also said he had briefed the leaders on Russian plans regarding "Ukraine, Belarus, and other directions in Europe," without elaborating.
"We are tracking everything related to their political and military intentions. Our teams will exchange more detailed available information at the intelligence level," Zelensky wrote. "We are doing everything to ensure real peace."
