Zelenskyy in High-Stakes 10 Downing St Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to London on 8 December 2025 to meet with key European leaders, including Keir Starmer (UK Prime Minister),

Emmanuel Macron (President of France) and Friedrich Merz (Chancellor of Germany) at 10 Downing Street for urgent discussions on the future of the war in Ukraine and a U.S.-backed peace proposal.

Collectively, they seek to coordinate European strategy on security guarantees, defence support, and a pathway toward a ceasefire.

In his remarks at the outset of the talks, Zelenskyy underscored the importance of unity between Ukraine, Europe, and the United States, stating that without coordinated support, Kyiv cannot secure a durable peace.

He highlighted that although there have been recent negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives, key issues remain unresolved, particularly the question of territorial integrity for regions like Donbas, and long-term security guarantees to deter future aggression.

European leaders stressed that any agreement must ensure a “just and lasting” settlement. Macron affirmed that Europe holds substantial leverage given the deteriorating Russian economy, while Starmer called for strong security provisions to accompany any ceasefire.

Merz, while reaffirming Germany’s support for Ukraine, expressed reservations about certain aspects of the U.S.-proposed plan, signaling that European states are increasingly cautious about proposals that might compromise Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.

One of the central sources of tension remains the status of the occupied eastern regions of Ukraine. Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv has not accepted territorial concessions and emphasized that European support must be backed by concrete defensive measures, including enhanced air defense systems and sustained military cooperation.

He also indicated that upcoming meetings in Brussels — with EU and NATO officials will aim to solidify a comprehensive framework for Ukraine’s security, reconstruction funding, and long-term resilience.

Against the backdrop of a U.S. push for a rapid resolution, Zelenskyy’s London visit reflects Kyiv’s effort to ensure that any peace plan does not neglect Ukraine’s sovereignty and future safety. The outcome of these talks could well shape whether a ceasefire is possible and on what terms, or whether the war enters another prolonged phase.

Source: The Guardian; Kyiv Independent; AP News; Bloomberg; Sky News.