European leaders say intensive work will continue in the coming days on a US-led plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, following a joint phone call with President Donald Trump.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated this was a critical moment for Ukraine, its people, and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region.
A White House official confirmed the call took place but did not provide additional details.
The call follows comments by Trump, who labeled European leaders as weak and suggested the US might reduce support for Ukraine.
In a recent Politico interview, Trump also claimed that Ukraine was using war to postpone elections, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to declare his readiness for elections.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky is now facing increased pressure from Trump regarding a peace settlement, with the US President urging Ukraine to compromise and cede some of its territory to Russia. Zelensky has remained steadfast against such concessions, seeking a ceasefire and robust security guarantees.
The outcome of this trilateral negotiation—drawing together Ukraine, the US, and European allies—remains uncertain as Zelensky embarks on a diplomatic tour of Europe to reaffirm support from allies. He is keen to prevent any agreements that could undermine Ukraine's security in future conflicts with Russia.
