Germany, France, Britain and Ukraine have called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to an immediate ceasefire and negotiations. The heads of state and government met on Sunday evening in London and presented five conditions for talks.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy released a joint declaration. In it they demand an immediate and complete ceasefire as well as negotiations based on the current frontline. The declaration lists five prerequisites for a just and lasting peace. These include legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine, the preservation of international borders and the involvement of the USA and Europe. Zelenskyy had already proposed direct talks to Putin on Thursday. The Europeans support this initiative and also pledged further military assistance. The European position differs from earlier US proposals by emphasising Ukraine’s right to its own security alliances.