Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz (from left), Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and France's President Emmanuel Macron chat on the Downing Street doorstep after a meeting. Photo / Henry Nicholls, AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received the backing of the leaders of the UK, France and Germany in calling for direct ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine, according to a joint statement issued following defence talks in London.
Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at 10 Downing Street for talks, as Russia’s war stretched into its fifth year.
The leaders “supported the proposal for a direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia – with active US and European participation – to bring about a ceasefire and support further negotiations”, they said in a joint statement with Zelenskyy.
The statement added: “The current line of contact should be the starting point for negotiations. International borders must not be changed by force.”
Zelenskyy proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an open letter on Thursday (local time). Putin ruled out the move, saying he saw “no point” in meeting Zelenskyy until a possible peace deal had been agreed.
Zelenskyy told Sky News on Sunday evening (local time) he had also met with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in Kyiv to pass on a message to Putin.
Zelenskyy said in the message to Abramovich: “You are fighting against us on our territory. We will not leave and we will not go out from our territory, no we will not give you victory.”
Kyiv has been asking its Western allies for more ammunition deliveries for its air defences as Ukraine endures daily Russian strikes. Zelenskyy is seeking ways for the allies to further pressure Russia to end the fighting.
Earlier on Sunday, the Ukrainian President wrote on X that he would be meeting with Britain’s King Charles III.
– AFP