E3 leaders say Ukraine deal 'must safeguard' European security

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held comprehensive talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London on Sunday, issuing a joint declaration that European security interests "must be safeguarded" in any settlement to end the war.

Trilateral summit

The E3 leaders emphasized that Europe had an important role to play as a steadfast supporter of Ukraine in any peace negotiations. They stressed that all diplomatic efforts should be conducted in close cooperation with Ukraine, wider European partners and the United States, according to the joint statement issued following the London summit.

Russian aggression condemned

The leaders strongly condemned Russia's large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities as well as what they termed "irresponsible and dangerous" drone incursions into NATO territory. They emphasized the "inextricable link" between Ukraine's security, prosperity and sovereignty and wider Euro-Atlantic stability, noting that any sustainable peace required robust security guarantees for Kyiv.

Institutional consent

The statement noted that elements of any negotiation related to the European Union and NATO would require the consent of the EU and its member states and NATO allies respectively. The trilateral meeting came as Western capitals seek to coordinate their positions amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.