Zelenskyy, European leaders huddle to talk US peace plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met French, German and British leaders in London on Monday amid what Kyiv's European allies described as a “decisive time” in the US-led effort to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks with Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the British leader's 10 Downing St residence to try to strengthen Ukraine's hand amid mounting impatience from US President Donald Trump.

Starmer, Macron and Merz took a more supportive stance toward Kyiv in comments before their Monday meeting, which lasted about two hours. The UK leader said the push for peace was at a “critical stage”, and stressed the need for "a just and lasting ceasefire”.

Merz, meanwhile, said he was “sceptical” about some details in documents released by the US. “We have to talk about it. That's why we are here,” he said. “The coming days... could be a decisive time for all of us."