Ukraine is at a “pivotal moment” as President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for talks in London with UK, French, and German leaders, a senior UK minister has said. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden emphasised that any peace settlement must include robust security guarantees for Ukraine, warning against a “completely toothless” agreement.
Speaking on Sky News, McFadden said Ukraine’s security and self-determination would be “at the heart” of discussions with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He stressed that the goal is not just an end to the war but also ensuring Ukraine can decide its own future.
The UK has consistently pushed for a peace deal backed by security guarantees, including from the US and a British and French-led “coalition of the willing”. Last month, Sir Keir urged coalition countries to firm up commitments to a potential peacekeeping force for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.
However, Russia has rejected the prospect of allied troops in Ukraine and continues to demand large swathes of Ukrainian territory. McFadden said any settlement must not “reward Russian aggression” and that Ukraine can count on the UK’s “strong solidarity”.
The London talks follow days of US-Ukraine negotiations in Florida, where officials acknowledged that “real progress” depends on Russia’s readiness for long-term peace.
