London : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described his latest peace discussions with U.S. officials as “constructive yet not easy” during a high-stakes E3 summit in London . The meeting brought together UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aiming to advance a U.S.-brokered proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
The conflict—now nearing its fourth year—has claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced millions across Europe and beyond.
Progress on Aid and Humanitarian Access, But Major Territorial Gaps Remain
Zelenskyy acknowledged movement on:
Humanitarian corridors
Energy infrastructure reconstruction
Post-winter civilian evacuation plans
However, he warned that “significant territorial and political obstacles” persist, especially over Russia’s demands to formalize its annexation of Crimea and parts of Donbas.
Trump Says Negotiators “Love” the New Draft
U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukrainian negotiators “love” the updated peace draft, though Zelenskyy clarified he has not reviewed the full text. Moscow, meanwhile, accused Kyiv of stalling, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissing the entire diplomatic effort as “Western theater.”
The proposed agreement includes:
A 30-day ceasefire
UN peacekeeper deployment to monitor compliance
A $50 billion G7 aid package for reconstruction and energy stabilization
UN and NATO Signal High Alert
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to “seize the diplomatic window,” warning that renewed escalation could deepen Europe’s security crisis.
NATO allies have begun internal consultations about potential troop deployments to Eastern Europe should talks collapse, reflecting ongoing concerns about Russian military intent.
Ukraine’s Women Soldiers at the Forefront
New Ukrainian defense data shows over 70,000 women serving in active military roles in 2025, intensifying demands from civic groups for gender-inclusive provisions in any future peace agreement.
Zelenskyy: Failure Could “Embolden Putin”
The Ukrainian leader cautioned that a failed negotiation would embolden the Kremlin and jeopardize stability across Europe.
“The path is difficult, but the alternative is far more dangerous,” Zelenskyy said.
With negotiations set to continue in Brussels next week, the London summit marks a pivotal moment in re-shaping Western strategy under the Trump administration, which has pivoted toward swift conflict resolution over long-term military support.
