Europe Backs Zelensky’s Call for Direct Putin Talks

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire and end the war.

After meeting Zelensky in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said any diplomatic solution must include active European and US participation.

The three leaders described Zelensky’s initiative as a step towards a just and lasting peace. The Ukrainian president has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Putin, but the Kremlin rejected the idea, saying it did not yet see a reason for such talks.

The four leaders agreed that an immediate and complete ceasefire must be the basic condition for negotiations. They said the current front line should serve as the starting point for any talks.

Their joint position also called for Ukraine to receive legally binding security guarantees, including the possible deployment of a multinational force. Russian assets frozen in the West should remain blocked until Moscow compensates Ukraine for the damage caused by the war.

After the talks, Zelensky said Europe must have a strong voice in future peace negotiations. He warned that Ukraine still needed additional air defense systems to protect itself from Russian attacks.

(reuters, max)