In London, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer, President of France Emmanuel Macron, and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz in the E3–Ukraine format.
The leaders discussed diplomatic work to end the war and achieve peace. There is a shared position: diplomatic efforts must be reinvigorated after the pause in the negotiations. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Europe must be at the negotiating table. The sides discussed the format in which Europe could be represented and the role that the United Kingdom, France, and Germany could play.
The President of Ukraine informed them about the situation on the frontline, Ukraine’s deep strikes and mid-range strikes, and Russia’s recent massive missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities.
The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany condemned the Russian strikes, including those involving the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, and expressed condolences over the deaths of Ukrainians as a result of these attacks.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian positions have become stronger, as is also confirmed by partners’ intelligence. Russia is suffering heavy losses: for five consecutive months, the aggressor state has been losing more than 30,000 people killed and wounded each month. The leaders discussed how to increase support for Ukrainian warriors.
Special attention was given to Ukraine’s current needs in protecting critical infrastructure, above all energy infrastructure. The President emphasized that the main priority is anti-ballistic missiles, which is why new contributions to the PURL initiative are needed, as well as the search for other ways, together with partners, to strengthen the protection of Ukraine’s sky.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that it is important for the funds from the European support package to be received as soon as possible. Part of them will be directed toward protecting the energy sector and will help Ukraine prepare for winter.
