Jaroslav Lukivand
Chris Mason,Political editor
European leaders have said “intensive work” will continue in the coming days on a US-led plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, after a joint phone call with President Donald Trump.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said they “agreed that this was a critical moment – for Ukraine, its people and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region”.
Trump later said “we discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words”, admitting that there were “some little disputes about people”.
The joint call comes the day after Trump called European leaders “weak”, suggesting the US could scale back support for Ukraine.
In the wide-ranging Politico interview published on Tuesday, Trump also claimed Ukraine was “using war” to avoid holding elections, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to reply he was “ready” for them.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The three European leaders issued identical statements shortly after their call with Trump on Wednesday.
They read: “The leaders discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and to see an end to the killing.
“Intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days.”
The call lasted for about 45 minutes, and was initiated by the Americans last night.
Sources characterise progress as “inching towards a deal” – but emphasise the complexity of arriving at one.
A key sticking point remains Ukrain
Read More