Closing Summary
And that brings our coverage of Ukraine peace talks between Keir Starmer, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz to a close.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important developments from the day:
After the meeting with the Ukrainian president at Downing Street this afternoon, Keir Starmer said he and European leaders have agreed on the need for Europe to “stand with Ukraine” and “ramp up” economic pressure on Vladimir Putin. They noted progress had been made by the US-led peace talks and have instructed their national security advisers to continue discussions over the coming days. (18:39)
Volodymyr Zelenskyy described today’s talks as “productive”, and said they had made a “small progress towards peace”. He said that a 20-point proposal from Ukraine and Europe for a peace deal would be ready by tomorrow evening to share with the US. (18:13)
Before the private talks with Zelenskyy, Macron and Starmer, German chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was “sceptical” about some of the US proposals for a peace deal and added that “these could be decisive” days “for all of us” on Ukraine. (13:35)
The issue of territory is still the “most problematic” in talks on ending the war, an official familiar with the negotiations said. “Putin does not want to enter into an agreement without territory. So they are looking for any options to ensure that Ukraine cedes territory,” the official said. (10:28)
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has insisted that the bloc “has the means and the will to increase pressure on Russia to come to the negotiations table.” She particularly defended the EU’s proposal for a reparations loan – backed by frozen Russian assets – a plan that however continues to be opposed by Belgium. (17:08)
The leaders of seven EU countries have said a reparations loan for Ukraine based on Russian frozen assets is the most “politically realistic solution” to meet Kyiv’s urgent funding needs. The declaration of support was made in a letter to the European Council president, António Costa, and commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, ahead of an EU summit next week, when Ukraine’s financing needs will be top of the agenda. (8:51)
And that’s all from me, Matty Edwards, for today.
Jakub Krupa will be back tomorrow. You can email him any tips, comments or suggestions at [email protected].
He’s also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.
Number 10: Europe must 'stand with Ukraine' and 'ramp up' economic pressure on Russia
We’ve finally heard from Downing Street about the outcome of today’s talks.
After the meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, the prime minister called to update other European allies.
Starmer and European leaders have agreed on the need for Europe to “stand with Ukraine” and “ramp up” economic pressure on Vladimir Putin.
British, French, German and Ukrainian national security advisers have been instructed to continue discussions about Ukraine over the coming days.
A Downing Street spokesperson said:
The leaders discussed the importance of the US-led peace talks for European security and supported the progress made. They instructed their national security advisers to continue discussions over the coming days.
The leaders underscored the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine which includes robust security guarantees.
The leaders agreed that while diplomatic efforts continue, Europe must stand with Ukraine, strengthening its ability to defend against relentless attacks that have left thousands without heat or light.
They also discussed positive progress made to use immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Following the meeting with the leaders of France, Germany and Ukraine, the prime minister convened a call with other European allies alongside President Zelensky to update them on the latest situation.
The leaders all agreed that now is a critical moment and that we must continue to ramp up support to Ukraine and economic pressure on Putin to bring an end to this barbaric war.”
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