European leaders have stated that intensive work will continue in the days ahead on a US-led initiative to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, following a joint phone call with President Donald Trump.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that this is a pivotal moment for Ukraine and the broader Euro-Atlantic security.
Trump highlighted that the discussions were intense, suggesting that there were disputes among leaders regarding their positions on the conflict.
This call follows Trump's recent remarks labeling European leaders as weak and suggesting potential scaling back of American support for Ukraine.
In a detailed interview, Trump also claimed Ukraine was using the war to postpone elections, drawing a response from President Volodymyr Zelensky stating he was ready for elections.
The ongoing conflict began with Russia's invasion in February 2022, leading to significant Russian control over Ukrainian territory.
The collective statement from Starmer, Macron, and Merz after the call affirmed their commitment to continued peace discussions led by the US, aimed at achieving a fair resolution and ending hostilities.
The call, lasting approximately 45 minutes, was characterized by progress being made inching towards a deal although they acknowledged the complexity surrounding territorial negotiations.
European leaders argue that the decisions must be made by Ukraine itself regarding its territorial integrity, while they seek to guide American perspectives on how to include Ukraine’s interests in any potential peace agreements.
As talks persist, Trump noted the need for realistic expectations regarding what Ukraine can agree to in terms of territorial concessions, further urging Zelensky to cooperate in seeking an end to the conflict.
Amid these discussions, Zelensky is also facing pressure from allies to avoid any deal that might compromise Ukraine's security or future sovereignty.
