Macron to join European leaders in London for Ukraine war talks

French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed his participation in a high-level meeting in London concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. The talks, scheduled for Monday, will bring together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to assess the situation and advance diplomatic efforts.

Condemnation of Russian Escalation

In a statement released on social media platform X, Macron strongly condemned Russia's recent overnight missile and drone attacks, which heavily targeted Ukraine's critical energy and railway networks. He accused Moscow of locking itself into "an escalatory path" away from peace and asserted that continued pressure on Russia is necessary to force a choice for negotiation.

Coordinating Support and Security Guarantees

The London meeting aims to review both military developments and diplomatic initiatives, including those undertaken by the "Coalition of the Willing," a group of nations supporting Ukraine. Macron stressed that Ukraine "can count on our unwavering support" and highlighted ongoing collaborative work with the United States to define long-term security guarantees for Kyiv, which he described as essential for any durable peace.

Stakes for European Security

The French leader framed the conflict's outcome as pivotal for broader European stability, stating that what is at stake in Ukraine directly impacts the security of the entire continent. The London summit represents a continued effort by key European powers to maintain a unified front in supporting Ukraine amidst fluctuating battlefield conditions and complex peace negotiations.