Zelenskyy meets Starmer, Macron and Merz in London

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed leaders from Ukraine, France and Germany to London during a tricky phase of diplomatic negotiations on the fate of the Russia-Ukraine war.

French leader Emmanuel Macron said the main issue for Russia was the convergence between their common positions and the US to finalise these peace talks.

Starmer said: "We stand with Ukraine, and if there is to be a ceasefire it needs to be a just and lasting ceasefire. And that's why it's so important that we repeatedly set out the principle that matters about Ukraine and for Ukraine."

Macron said: "I think we all support Ukraine and we all support peace, and peace negotiations to have a sustainable, a robust peace. And I think we have a lot of cards in our hands: the financing and the funding of equipment and the fact that Ukraine is resisting in this war, the fact that the Russian economy is starting to suffer."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has openly raised doubts over some of the details of the US-led peace plan, stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine because "the destiny of this country is the destiny of Europe."

The E3 allies seekto strengthen Kyiv's hand after US President Trump ramped up criticism of Kyiv's approach

Volodymyr Zelenskyy notes his focus is on security, air defence and long-term funding for Ukraine's war effort.