Senior European leaders and military officials met Thursday to discuss long-term peace in Ukraine, while the United States and Russia prepared for renewed negotiations on ending the war.
A gathering of around 30 military leaders convened north of London to explore options for enforcing a ceasefire, while European Union leaders assembled in Brussels. The flurry of diplomatic efforts comes amid concerns over Washington’s commitment to European security and fears of further Russian aggression in the Baltic and Nordic regions.
This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin each held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, agreeing in principle to a 30-day pause on attacks against energy infrastructure. However, overnight drone strikes by both sides cast doubt on whether a lasting peace is within reach.
Trump, who has unsettled NATO allies with his outreach to Putin and mixed signals on European security, suggested Wednesday that the U.S. could take over and operate Ukraine’s power plants. Meanwhile, Putin has drawn a firm red line, demanding an end to Western military aid as a precondition for a long-term truce.
Zelensky, currently visiting Norway and set to address EU leaders in Brussels, warned that any concessions could embolden Moscow. “Now the ball is really in Russia’s court here. They’re the ones that aren’t seeking an immediate ceasefire,” said UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to address the closed-door military summit, having worked alongside French President Emmanuel Macron to form a “coalition of the willing” to monitor any ceasefire. Both leaders have expressed willingness to deploy troops, though Russia has rejected the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine.
Despite Trump’s wavering stance, Washington is reportedly considering additional air defense systems for Kyiv. Zelensky recently requested U.S.-made Patriot missile systems to counter Russian ballistic threats, according to a White House readout.
“This is extremely important,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, urging European nations to meet Ukraine’s request for two million artillery shells, worth five billion euros.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov questioned Europe’s intentions. “For the most part, the signals from Brussels and European capitals concern plans to militarize Europe,” he stated.
While further U.S.-Russia talks could take place as early as Sunday, hostilities persist. Ukraine reported 171 Russian drone attacks overnight, killing two and wounding several in the northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv regions. A separate strike in Kropyvnytsky injured 10, including four children.
“With each such launch, the Russians expose to the world their true attitude towards peace,” Zelensky remarked.
Russia, in turn, claimed its air defenses intercepted 132 Ukrainian drones, with two civilians injured in the city of Engels and damage reported to schools and a hospital.
As diplomatic efforts continue, both sides remain locked in conflict, leaving the prospect of a lasting peace uncertain.