Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to host a crucial meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street on Monday, with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also in attendance. The high-level talks will focus on international peace plans for Ukraine, occurring against a backdrop of continued Russian bombardment.
Diplomatic Push for a Peace Plan
The discussions are expected to centre on how to respond to recent American proposals for ending the war with Russia. This diplomatic gathering follows three days of talks between Ukrainian and US officials, as the White House urges Kyiv to consider a deal.
President Zelensky indicated over the weekend that he had discussed "next steps" with advisers to former US President Donald Trump and remained "determined to keep working in good faith". However, negotiators have stressed that any "real progress" is contingent on Russia demonstrating a serious commitment to lasting peace.
Key Stumbling Blocks and Security Demands
Ukraine and its European allies are poised to insist that any potential ceasefire must include robust security guarantees from both the United States and a "coalition of the willing" spearheaded by the UK and France. A major point of contention remains any transfer of Ukrainian territory to Russia, which is likely to be firmly opposed.
Sir Keir has consistently stated that Ukraine must be in charge of its own future. Echoing this sentiment, a senior minister said on Sunday that the nation must not be left "toothless" against ongoing Russian aggression. Moscow, however, has repeatedly rejected the possibility of allied troops being stationed in Ukraine and continues to demand significant portions of Ukrainian land in exchange for peace.
Ongoing Assault and Strategic Shifts
While diplomats prepare to talk, the conflict on the ground shows no sign of abating. Russian forces maintained their assault over the weekend, with at least four people killed in drone and missile strikes on Sunday. Moscow's strategy continues to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, an effort widely seen as an attempt to "weaponise" winter conditions by depriving civilians of heat and power.
Monday's summit also follows the publication of a new US national security strategy, which lists improving relations with Moscow as a top priority for Washington. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the document, stating it aligned broadly with Russia's own vision.
In a parallel diplomatic move, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will travel to Washington on Monday for talks with US counterpart Marco Rubio. Their agenda is set to cover efforts to end the war in Ukraine, UK-US cooperation on global security, and the ceasefire in Gaza.
