European Leaders Rally Behind Ukraine’s Zelenskyy As Russia Escalates Attacks And U.S. Presses Peace Deal

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

LONDON/KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – The leaders of France, Germany, and Britain expressed firm support Monday for embattled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as more people were killed and injured in Russia’s nearly four-year war against his nation.

During their hastily arranged gathering in London, the government heads acknowledged it was a “crucial time” for Kyiv, which faces mounting U.S. pressure to agree to a controversial peace deal with Russia, the nation that invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at his 10 Downing Street residence to discuss contingency plans should a peace accord emerge.

The rush to meet followed signs of impatience from U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

Trump claimed Sunday night that Zelenskyy “hasn’t yet read the proposal,” adding: “Russia is, I believe, fine with it, but I’m not sure that Zelenskyy’s fine with it. His people love it, but he hasn’t read it.”

US PRESSURE ON UKRAINE GROWS

It remained unclear why Trump believed the Ukrainian president had not reviewed the document or whom he meant by “his people.” Kyiv has released few details about the negotiations.

Starmer said the push for peace was at a “critical stage,” urging work toward “a just and lasting ceasefire.”

Yet Merz expressed skepticism about U.S. documents circulated so far. “We have to talk about it. That’s why we are here,” he said. “The coming days could be a decisive time for all of us.”

European leaders stressed that any ceasefire must include credible security guarantees from both Europe and the United States to deter future Russian aggression — assurances Trump has not publicly given.

With the war entering its fourth year, Zelenskyy acknowledged that negotiators remain divided over territorial concessions sought under the U.S. plan, which Trump views as his signature peace effort.

ZELENSKYY WARNS OF DEEP DIVISIONS

Elements of the proposal require fuller discussion on “sensitive issues,” including long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and the status of eastern regions.

“There are visions of the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine — and we don’t have a unified view on Donbas,” Zelenskyy said Monday in an interview with Bloomberg News.

He added that Kyiv is seeking a separate pact with Western allies — particularly Washington — to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty after any ceasefire.

Reconstruction also loomed over Monday’s diplomacy. Seven EU nations urged Brussels to accelerate plans to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s rebuilding.

“Supporting Ukraine in their fight for freedom and independence is not only a moral obligation — it is also in our own self-interest,” wrote the leaders of Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden in a letter to EU officials.

EU URGED TO USE FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS

They pressed the 27-nation bloc to swiftly adopt a proposal to channel cash from immobilized Russian assets into a reparations loan for Ukraine.

Belgium’s legal concerns have delayed an EU decision on the unprecedented plan, meant to raise up to 90 billion euros ($105 billion). “Discussions will continue up until the European Council next week,” Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho said.

Even as diplomacy intensified, fighting worsened across Ukraine. At least seven people were injured Monday when Russian drones struck a multi-story apartment block in the northeastern city of Okhtyrka in the Sumy region, authorities said.

Governor Oleh Hryhorov reported that some residents reached shelter after air-raid warnings, while others were rescued from upper floors. The building suffered heavy damage. Reuters could not independently verify the details.

Sumy and nearby Chernihiv endured repeated shelling overnight. In Chernihiv, at least three people were injured when a drone exploded near residential buildings, shattering windows and igniting a gas pipeline.

RUSSIAN DRONE AND ARTILLERY STRIKES KILL

Infrastructure — including power lines, water systems, homes, shops, and a kindergarten — was hit across several regions.

In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, one person was killed and at least five were injured in artillery and drone strikes early Monday, officials said. Multi-story buildings, private homes, and vehicles were damaged.

Rescue workers battled fires, searched damaged structures, and warned of additional incoming attacks. Thousands — the vast majority Ukrainian — have died since the conflict began.

Zelenskyy said this week will include intensive diplomatic efforts with European lawmakers to coordinate positions before further U.S.–Ukraine peace discussions.

“We are starting a new diplomatic week — consultations with European leaders,” he said in a video message. “First and foremost, air defence and long-term funding for Ukraine.”

ZELENSKYY SAYS UKRAINE SEEKS ‘DIGNIFIED PEACE’

The London talks followed a high-level meeting in Washington between Zelenskyy’s cabinet, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, on the U.S. peace plan.

“Yesterday, we spoke with Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner — thank you for your readiness to work together 24/7,” Zelenskyy said.

He noted that Washington understands Kyiv’s position and that “constructive talks will continue” in the coming days and weeks.

“Ukraine deserves a dignified peace,” Zelenskyy added, stressing that the outcome “depends entirely on Russia — on our collective pressure on Russia and on the sound negotiating positions of the United States, Europe, and all our partners.”

“Russia must be held accountable for the daily strikes, the constant terror against our people, and for the war itself,” he said.

More than 1 million people are believed to have been killed and injured in the war, prompting renewed cries for peace ahead of Christmas.

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