European leaders say 'intensive work' will continue in the coming days on a US-led plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, after a joint phone call with President Donald Trump.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated they 'agreed that this was a critical moment - for Ukraine, its people and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region'.
A White House official confirmed the call took place but did not provide details. This comes following Trump’s criticism of European leaders, whom he deemed 'weak', and suggested scaling back US support for Ukraine.
Within a wide-ranging Politico interview published recently, Trump remarked that Ukraine was 'using war' to avoid elections, with President Zelensky saying he is 'ready' for them.
Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's territory.
The three European leaders released identical statements after their call with Trump. They noted: 'The leaders discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and to see an end to the killing.' They further affirmed that 'intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days.'
Earlier, Zelensky mentioned on social media that a 20-point document aimed at ending the war would be handed over to the US shortly following discussions with Trump's team and partners in Europe. However, no further details were disclosed.
The initial US draft peace plan of 28 points has faced scrutiny and was seen as favoring Russia, prompting Ukraine to engage in separate talks hoping to revise crucial aspects concerning territorial issues and security guarantees.
As talks falter, Zelensky finds himself under pressure from Trump to reach a peace deal that could involve territorial concessions to Russia, something he has repeatedly rejected, seeking a ceasefire and robust security guarantees.
Meanwhile, Kremlin officials voiced alignment with Trump’s views, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledging the US President's statements regarding NATO membership and territorial disputes.
Last week, Putin reiterated that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from the eastern Donbas or face further Russian advances, dismissing any compromise concerning the war's conclusion.
