NN ONLINE:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London as Kyiv’s European partners seek to strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations on a U.S.-backed plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Zelenskyy said his discussions in London and Brussels this week will focus on security, air defense, and long-term financial support for Ukraine’s war effort. The leaders aim to ensure any ceasefire includes robust guarantees from both Europe and the United States to prevent further Russian attacks.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators concluded three days of talks on Saturday to narrow differences over the U.S. peace proposal. A key sticking point is the suggestion that Ukraine cede control of the Russian-occupied Donbas region, which Ukraine and its European allies oppose.
Starmer said he will not pressure Zelenskyy to accept a peace settlement, emphasizing that any halt in hostilities must be fair and lasting.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks continued overnight. Drones struck residential buildings in Okhtyrka and Chernihiv, injuring at least 10 civilians and causing extensive damage, while Ukraine reported that 131 of 149 Russian drones fired were neutralized. Russia claimed its air defenses shot down 67 Ukrainian drones over 11 regions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed a new U.S. national security strategy, saying it aligns with Moscow’s vision for dialogue and constructive relations, though European leaders have expressed concern over parts of the document.
