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European leaders bolster backing for Zelensky amid US pressure for peace deal
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky secured renewed commitments of support from European leaders during a high-level diplomatic tour of London and Brussels, as Washington pushes Kyiv to consider a controversial peace proposal criticized for favoring Moscow.
European unity behind Ukraine
In a series of urgent meetings, Zelensky met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz before holding talks in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa. The discussions centered on defending Ukraine’s sovereignty as new strains emerged between Kyiv and Washington over the pace and terms of potential peace negotiations with Russia.
Von der Leyen and Costa reaffirmed Europe’s long-term commitment to Ukraine, saying in a joint statement that “Ukraine’s security must be guaranteed as a cornerstone of Europe’s stability.” Starmer added that European nations were preparing “hard-edged security guarantees” to shield Ukraine from future aggression.
Disputed peace terms
According to Zelensky, a revised US peace plan has been shortened from 28 to 20 points, with the most heavily disputed proposals removed. While Kyiv welcomed the changes, territorial concessions remain the main obstacle. The original plan called for Ukraine to surrender the entire Donbas region and accept a strict military cap—terms Zelensky ruled out, citing both constitutional and moral obligations.
“Ukraine cannot yield its territory. Not legally, not morally,” Zelensky declared, adding that his government would share a counterproposal with Washington within days.
European security guarantees take shape
European leaders are working on a new framework of security assurances known as the Coalition of the Willing, led by France and the UK. While details remain under discussion, the guarantees are expected to include military aid commitments and intelligence cooperation. Starmer described the effort as vital to ensuring that any eventual ceasefire is “just and enduring.”
Merz called the current stage “a decisive moment for Europe,” voicing concerns about elements in the US proposal. Analysts said the diplomatic maneuvering reflects growing European determination to shape the post-war security environment rather than leave it to US-Russia negotiations.
War pressure intensifies
The talks unfolded as Ukrainian forces continued to face mounting military challenges in the east, alongside massive Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. Despite battlefield difficulties, European leaders reiterated that sustained support for Ukraine remains essential to preventing future instability across Europe.
