London peace talks: Ukraine security guarantees top the agenda
Leaders of Ukraine, the UK, France, and Germany are set to convene in London for decisive peace talks.
The agenda focuses on finalizing a future peace agreement and coordinating European security positions.
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be at Downing Street. He is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The visit underscores a new wave of international solidarity with Ukraine. It comes as discussions between Washington and Kyiv regarding a possible peace agreement, and thus the future Ukraine security guarantees, are rapidly accelerating, according to The Guardian.
The London peace talks are set against ongoing negotiations between American and Ukrainian officials concerning a draft for post-conflict security guarantees.
Prime Minister Starmer has repeatedly stated that "Ukraine must decide its own future." He has suggested that a potential European peacekeeping force could play a "vital role" in protecting the country if a ceasefire is achieved.
Just two weeks prior, the four leaders participated in a "Coalition of Will" video conference. Their discussion centered on forming this European peacekeeping force, which could be deployed to Ukraine should the frontline stabilize.
Contested US Peace Draft: Initial Form Rejected by Kyiv
The draft agreement promoted by the American administration—negotiated discreetly between American and Russian officials—has sparked significant criticism. The first version, elaborated by Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Kremlin advisor, Kirill Dmitriev, would have imposed drastic military and political sovereignty restrictions on Ukraine. Kyiv considered these conditions unacceptable, viewing them as equivalent to a full surrender.
Ukraine substantially modified the document last month, successfully eliminating many of Moscow's toughest demands. Despite these changes, negotiations remain fraught, and the Ukraine war continues unabated.
Russia Intensifies Attacks: 653 Drones and 51 Missiles in One Night
On Friday night, Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack targeting Ukraine's critical energy and transport infrastructure.
According to the Ukrainian army, a total of 653 drones and 51 missiles were launched. Ukrainian forces successfully shot down 585 drones and 30 missiles.
President Zelenskyy declared that the attacks are aimed at "visible and invisible weapons," attempting to turn winter into a strategic tool by plunging the population into darkness and cold.
US–Ukraine Talks Continue, Key Elements Rejected by Moscow
In parallel, American and Ukrainian officials are holding the third round of discussions on the peace plan in Miami. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already rejected critical sections of the draft, particularly those concerning Ukraine's territorial integrity and measures designed to deter future Russian attacks.
Both Washington and Kyiv have underscored that real progress depends entirely on "Russia's willingness to demonstrate a serious commitment to long-lasting peace."
White House: Ensuring Ukraine's Survival as a Viable State
The new US National Security Strategy, published Saturday, affirms Washington's commitment to ensuring Ukraine's survival as a "viable state."
However, the document also notes that a central US objective is the restoration of strategic stability with Russia. Ending the war is therefore deemed essential to achieving this goal.
Monday's high-level summit in London is seen as a crucial step in coordinating European positions ahead of the next rounds of international negotiations.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
