European leaders are gearing up for the London summit to discuss crucial efforts aimed at securing a peace deal, following recent developments in the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been actively engaging with key figures in the international community to garner support for his country’s plight. Ahead of the summit, Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
In a show of solidarity, BBC News has learned that King Charles III is scheduled to meet with Zelensky on Sunday at the behest of the UK government. The meeting comes in the wake of extraordinary events that unfolded in the US, prompting senior political figures from various European nations to rally behind Ukraine.
Leaders from Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands have taken to social media to express their backing for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the aggressor-victim dynamic, pointing the finger at Russia as the aggressor and Ukraine as the victim. He highlighted the importance of past actions taken to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia.
Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the desire for peace among the citizens of Ukraine, with his successor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz echoing the sentiment of standing in solidarity with Ukraine. Merz emphasized the need to differentiate between the aggressor and the victim in the conflict, labeling it a "terrible war."
NATO chief Mark Rutte, in an interview with the BBC, revealed that he had been in contact with Zelensky following a meeting at the White House. Rutte acknowledged the importance of respecting the support provided by the previous US administration, particularly the approval for the sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems that enabled Ukraine to defend itself. The conflict, initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, began two years after the Trump administration had left office.
As tensions remain high and diplomatic efforts intensify, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with a collective focus on finding a path towards peace and stability in the region.