European leaders held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London on Monday to discuss Ukraine’s long-term security and efforts to end the war with Russia.
Officials from participating governments reported that the meetings focused on security guarantees, military assistance and coordinated diplomatic strategies.
Zelenskyy met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London and also held separate discussions with leaders of the United Kingdom and France. European officials said the sessions aimed to demonstrate a unified position on Ukraine’s security needs and future defense planning.
Diplomatic sources involved in the talks said several European leaders raised China’s influence over Russia and encouraged Beijing to engage more directly in efforts to stop the conflict. According to officials, European governments view China as a potential actor capable of exerting pressure on Moscow to consider broader peace initiatives.
Participants said the discussions included reviews of past diplomatic contact with China, along with earlier statements from Beijing regarding a potential political settlement. Officials noted that Ukraine continued to seek stronger long-term security commitments from European partners to deter additional Russian attacks.
Representatives from the United Kingdom and France discussed ongoing and planned military support for Ukraine, according to briefings released after the London meetings. Leaders also examined ways to coordinate sanctions and economic measures intended to sustain pressure on Russia while supporting diplomatic efforts.
Diplomats present at the talks said participants prepared for upcoming international conferences on Ukraine, where governments expect to revisit proposals for a peace framework. Officials familiar with the meetings said leaders assessed recent battlefield developments and considered how conditions on the ground could influence future negotiations.
European governments reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in their public statements following the talks. Chinese authorities did not issue an immediate detailed response to European calls for a more active role in the peace process, according to diplomatic observers monitoring Beijing’s communications.
—
**Meta Description:**
European leaders met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London to coordinate long-term security support for Ukraine and discuss peace efforts in its war with Russia, while renewing calls for China to play a more active role in ending the conflict. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the leaders of the UK and France joined talks on military aid, security guarantees, sanctions, and future diplomatic initiatives. China did not immediately respond publicly to the latest appeals, as European governments reviewed Beijing’s influence over Moscow and its potential contribution to future peace negotiations.
