Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was set to hold discussions with European partners in London on Monday, shortly after US President Donald Trump alleged that the Ukrainian leader had not examined the American proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia.
This development follows several days of dialogue between Ukrainian and US representatives in Miami, which concluded on Saturday without any visible advancement. Zelensky confirmed that negotiations would continue as both sides work toward a possible agreement.
Upon his arrival in London, Zelensky will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside the German chancellor and the French president, where the current state of negotiations will be a central focus.
At the same time, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is scheduled to be in Washington on Monday for discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office noted that “the UK and US will reaffirm their commitment to reaching a peace deal in Ukraine” during her visit.
Even as diplomatic efforts continue, Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraine. According to Ukrainian authorities, at least nine individuals were injured between Sunday night and Monday morning following new strikes across the country.
Zelensky described a “very substantive and constructive” exchange with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during the Miami sessions, stating on Telegram that Ukraine remains dedicated to engaging openly with the American team in pursuit of lasting peace. He also mentioned that both parties agreed “on the next steps and the format of the talks with America.”
However, Trump publicly expressed dissatisfaction, saying he was “a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn’t yet read the proposal, which was as of a few hours ago.” This statement came shortly after Witkoff and Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where Russian officials rejected certain elements of the US plan.
Ahead of Monday’s meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned what he described as Russia’s “escalatory path.” He emphasized on X that France, together with the United States, would continue working to secure guarantees for Ukraine’s safety, arguing that such assurances are essential for any durable peace. Macron added that sustained pressure on Moscow is necessary to push it toward a peaceful resolution.
Washington’s initial framework for ending the nearly four-year conflict called for Ukraine to relinquish territories that Russia has been unable to capture militarily, in exchange for security commitments that do not meet Kyiv’s expectations of joining NATO. Details regarding the nature of these guarantees have remained unclear, aside from an early suggestion that aircraft defending Kyiv might be stationed in Poland.
Trump’s stance on Ukraine has fluctuated since his return to office in January. He began by aligning closely with Putin and criticizing Zelensky for not showing sufficient appreciation for American backing. Over time, however, he has grown increasingly impatient with Putin’s refusal to accept peace terms, despite efforts that included a summit in Alaska. His frustration culminated in recent sanctions imposed on Russian oil companies.
What you should know
The ongoing diplomatic push surrounding Ukraine reflects heightened tensions and competing interests among global powers.
Zelensky’s London meetings signal Ukraine’s reliance on European backing as talks with the United States remain uncertain. Trump’s criticism of Zelensky and his inconsistent approach to Russia have complicated the negotiation atmosphere, while Moscow’s latest attacks underscore the war’s continued volatility. Macron’s insistence on stronger security guarantees highlights Europe’s determination to ensure Ukraine’s long-term stability.
As negotiations evolve, the core issues—territorial concessions, security arrangements, and Russia’s willingness to compromise—remain at the heart of efforts to achieve a meaningful and lasting peace.
