In brief
European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have underscored a critical juncture for Ukraine following a call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The leaders acknowledged the intensity of peace talks aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, coinciding with Trump's assertions about the strength of European leaders and the need for concessions from Ukraine. Amidst these discussions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed requests for security guarantees as he navigates pressures from various global actors.
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 said they agreed that this was a critical moment - for Ukraine, its people and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region.
A White House official confirmed the call took place but did not give details.
It comes the day after Trump called European leaders weak, suggesting the US could scale back support for Ukraine.
In the wide-ranging Politico interview published on Tuesday, Trump also claimed Ukraine was using war to avoid holding elections, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to reply he was ready for them.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The three European leaders issued identical statements shortly after their call with Trump on Wednesday, indicating that they discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
Earlier on Wednesday, Zelensky wrote on social media that a 20-point document on how to end the war would be handed over to the US in the near future after our joint work with President Trump's team and partners in Europe.
The original US draft peace plan - widely leaked to media last month - had 28 points, and was seen as favoring Russia. Ukraine has since held separate talks with US and European negotiators, seeking to change some key clauses.
Zelensky is under increasing pressure from Trump to agree to a peace deal to end the war, with the US president urging Kyiv to play ball by ceding territory to Moscow. Zelensky has repeatedly refused, seeking instead an immediate ceasefire on the vast front line and iron-clad security guarantees for Kyiv in any future settlement.
The Ukrainian leader is on a diplomatic tour of Europe following intensive talks between US and Ukrainian negotiators over the weekend which failed to yield a satisfactory deal for Kyiv.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin commented on Trump's statements, suggesting they align with Russia's perspective on the conflict.
Recent developments heighten the tension as the future of Ukraine remains uncertain amid ongoing international negotiations.
