The leaders of three major European powers are set for a crucial meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in London this Monday. This high-level gathering comes in the wake of another devastating round of massive attacks by Russia and amid ongoing US efforts to broker a peace deal to end the protracted conflict.
Condemnation of Escalation and Call for Pressure
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the meeting in a social media post on Saturday. He strongly condemned the latest series of strikes by Moscow, which specifically targeted Ukraine's energy and rail infrastructure. Macron accused Russia of locking itself into an escalatory path with no genuine intention of seeking peace. He emphasised the need for the international community to continue exerting pressure on Moscow to compel it to choose the path of peace.
The meeting will bring together President Macron, President Zelenskiy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Their primary agenda is to conduct a thorough assessment of the current situation on the ground in Ukraine. They will also delve into the details of the ongoing negotiations spearheaded by the United States.
US Negotiations and Security Framework
On the diplomatic front, the United States provided an update on Friday regarding its peace efforts. US negotiators stated they had reached an agreement with Kyiv on a framework of security arrangements. Discussions also focused on identifying the specific deterrence capabilities Ukraine would need as part of a potential final deal to end the war with Russia. However, officials indicated that a major breakthrough has not yet been achieved.
President Zelenskiy, in his own social media update on Saturday, revealed he had held discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, about the latest talks. The Ukrainian leader stated that they agreed on the next steps and the formats for future negotiations with the United States.
Massive Overnight Attacks and Ukrainian Response
The urgency of the London meeting is underscored by the severe escalation on the battlefield. According to Ukraine's General Staff, Russia's military launched a massive coordinated attack overnight. The assault involved a staggering 653 drones and 51 missiles, primarily aimed at crippling Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The attacks resulted in significant power outages across several regions of the country.
In a retaliatory move, Ukraine reported striking a key Russian oil-processing facility. The target was identified as a Rosneft PJSC plant located in Russia's Ryazan region. This action highlights the expanding geographic scope of the conflict and Ukraine's strategy to hit valuable economic assets inside Russia.
The convergence of intense military action and delicate diplomatic manoeuvres sets a critical backdrop for the London summit. The outcomes of this meeting between European leaders and President Zelenskiy could significantly influence the direction of the peace process and the West's consolidated response to Russian aggression.
