EU Leaders Meet in London with Ukrainian President to Discuss Latest US Peace Proposal

On Monday, December 8, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened in London with key European leaders. The central topic of discussion was the newest peace proposal recently put forward by the United States. The high-level talks took place at the official residence on 10 Downing Street. Attendees included the heads of state from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The meeting lasted approximately two hours, occurring amidst public commentary from US President Donald Trump suggesting that the Ukrainian leader had not yet reviewed the latest American initiative.

The preceding negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials, which concluded in Miami, resulted in proposals reportedly unfavorable to Kyiv. A significant point of contention involved aspects related to territorial concessions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced considerable skepticism regarding the specifics that had surfaced from the American documentation. He emphasized that the current juncture could prove decisive for the entire European continent. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the critical need to bridge the gap between the collective European and Ukrainian stances and the position held by the United States to finalize negotiations acceptable to all parties involved.

President Zelensky acknowledged the indispensable nature of transatlantic cooperation. He pointed out that certain crucial issues simply cannot be resolved without direct involvement from either the American or the European side. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that his government would not exert pressure on Zelensky to accept the American terms. Starmer firmly maintained that any cessation of hostilities must be both equitable and sustainable for the long term. The demarcation of territory remains the most challenging hurdle, particularly since Russia continues to maintain control over substantial areas within the Donbas region.

A significant portion of the discussion also focused on the potential utilization of frozen Russian assets held across Europe to provide financial support to Ukraine. The European Commission had put forward a legal workaround mechanism. This plan involved converting roughly 140 billion euros of immobilized Russian reserves into an interest-free reparations loan designated for Ukraine. However, Belgium, represented by its Foreign Minister, Maxime Verhagen, advocated for an alternative approach. Belgium prefers that the EU secure funds through borrowing on the open markets, citing concerns over potential legal challenges initiated by Russia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen provided further details on a specific 90 billion euro plan intended to cover Ukraine’s financial requirements over the subsequent two years. These London discussions followed three intensive days of consultations between American and Ukrainian officials held in Florida. In a related development, the European Central Bank formally declared that, due to legal constraints, it cannot serve as the financial guarantor for any loan tied to these immobilized assets.

The objective of the London summit was to consolidate European positions ahead of further developments, especially given the pressure emanating from Washington and the existing internal disagreements within Europe concerning the proposed financial support mechanisms. EU leaders are aiming to secure consensus on the matter of the assets during the European Summit scheduled for December 18th and 19th. This meeting served as a crucial effort to align strategies before that key December gathering.