Ukraine should not be left vulnerable by a peace agreement, a high-ranking UK official cautioned, as Volodymyr Zelensky gets ready to meet with officials in London, including Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Minister Pat McFadden emphasized the critical nature of the current situation for Ukraine as discussions persist between Ukrainian and US representatives regarding a plan endorsed by Donald Trump to end the conflict. He stressed that Ukraine’s security and right to self-determination will be central to the upcoming talks.
McFadden highlighted the importance of allowing Ukraine to shape its own destiny without being constrained, emphasizing the need for security assurances moving forward. He insisted that any peace agreement should not validate Russian aggression, underscoring the significance of ensuring Ukraine’s independence from external influence.
Recent meetings in London follow intense negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials, with US envoy Keith Kellogg expressing optimism about nearing a resolution to the four-year conflict in Ukraine. However, progress hinges on Russia’s commitment to long-term peace, a sentiment echoed by Zelensky, who accuses Vladimir Putin of obstructing peace efforts through ongoing attacks on Ukraine.
The UK has consistently advocated for security assurances for Ukraine in any peace deal, aligning with the stance of the US and a coalition led by Britain and France. Despite calls for peacekeeping forces, Russia remains opposed to foreign troops in Ukraine and continues to push for territorial concessions in exchange for peace.
The White House’s new national security strategy reaffirms its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty while also emphasizing the importance of improving relations with Moscow to restore strategic stability.