On June 8, leaders of the UK, Germany and France announced their support for the proposal to hold dialogue between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek a ceasefire, while emphasizing that Europe will play a role in this process.
In a joint statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed President Zelensky's call to end the war as well as the proposal for direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine with the active participation of the US and Europe.
3 leaders of the E3 group, an informal security alliance and one of the important sources of international support for Ukraine, met with Mr. Zelensky in the UK.
According to the joint statement, the parties appreciated the call to end the war by diplomatic means that President Zelensky made in a letter to the Russian President.
On social network X, President Zelensky said he had also exchanged views with Prime Minister Starmer on the need to increase missiles for Ukraine's air defense systems. The proposal for a direct meeting to discuss ending the conflict that has lasted for the fifth year has been rejected by President Putin.
In his letter, President Zelensky said that the Russian people are tired of missile and drone attacks from Ukraine, high inflation and fuel shortages, and said that this is the right time to seek peace.
He also said that we should not wait until the conflict in Europe returns to a priority position on the US agenda, in the context that Washington is focusing on the conflict with Iran.
On the Russian side, President Putin said that the Ukrainian leader's proposal does not show sincerity and there is currently no reason to hold a meeting. He emphasized the need to reach a long-term agreement.
In London, European leaders and President Zelensky discussed the necessary conditions to achieve a fair and sustainable peace. The parties said that the first step must be an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.
