Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London on 8 December for high-level talks with leaders of Europe’s three major powers – the so-called E3 – who remain Kyiv’s strongest backers: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The visit comes immediately after three days of discussions in Florida between Ukrainian officials and representatives of the US administration under President Donald Trump. Although described as positive in tone, the talks produced no clear breakthrough.
Zelensky’s primary goal in London is to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position and press European allies for additional air-defence systems and missiles as Russia intensifies strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure with winter approaching.
“Almost every day and night, our rescue teams are dealing with the consequences of Russian shelling on peaceful Ukrainian cities and communities,” Zelensky wrote on social media.
He said that over the past week alone, Moscow had carried out around 1,600 UAV attacks and dropped more than 1,200 guided bombs on Ukraine.
“We continue working with partners to bolster our defensive capabilities. The priority is clear – more air-defence systems, more missiles, and faster implementation of every agreement,” he added.
In London, the four leaders are expected to “review” the state of peace negotiations. Macron wrote on X on 6 December: “Ukraine can count on our unwavering support. That is the essence of the efforts we are undertaking within the coalition of willing states.”
UK Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden called this a “critical moment” for Ukraine.
“The principle of the meeting is that Ukraine must be able to decide its own future,” he told Sky News. “Everyone wants the fighting to stop, but it must stop in a way that guarantees Ukraine’s freedom to choose its path.”
The London meeting follows three days of US–Ukraine talks near Miami aimed at accelerating a peace process, but neither side has announced any concrete progress.
The Trump administration is reportedly urging Kyiv to accept a peace plan critics say is heavily tilted towards Russia.
After the talks, Zelensky said Ukraine remained committed to working “honestly” with the US to achieve “a real peace”, adding that both sides had agreed on next steps and formats of dialogue but gave no further details.
In a video address on 7 December, Zelensky said the US delegation had “a clear understanding” of Ukraine’s core positions.
“The exchange was constructive, though not easy,” he added.
The surge in diplomatic activity follows the leak in November of a draft US 28-point peace plan. The original version was widely criticised as overly favourable to Russia, but it has since undergone several revisions to address Kyiv’s concerns. The latest version has not been made public.
Retired General Keith Kellogg, outgoing special envoy for Ukraine under President Trump, said at the Reagan National Defense Forum on 7 December that a settlement was now “very close”.
He identified two major sticking points: territorial issues – primarily the future of the Donbass – and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which remains under Russian control.
“If we can resolve those two issues, I think the rest will fall into place,” said Kellogg, who will step down from his role in January 2026.
Ukraine, however, insists that any lasting ceasefire must include credible security guarantees for Kyiv and cannot require further territorial concessions to Russia.
European leaders continue to support a step-by-step diplomatic process combined with long-term security commitments and sustained military aid. The Trump administration, by contrast, is pushing for a rapid deal and a redistribution of burdens.
Diplomats warn that negotiations remain fragile and vulnerable to geopolitical shifts.
Following the London talks, Zelensky is expected to travel to Brussels this week as he seeks to maintain European unity amid mounting pressure from Moscow and Washington alike.
