UK, France, Germany back direct Ukraine-Russia talks: joint statement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received the backing of the leaders of the UK, France and Germany in calling for direct ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine, according to a joint statement issued following defence talks in London on Sunday.

Zelensky met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at 10 Downing Street for talks as Russia’s war has stretched into its fifth year.

The leaders “supported the proposal for a direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia – with active US and European participation – to bring about a ceasefire and support further negotiations”, they said in a joint statement with Zelensky.

“The current line of contact should be the starting point for negotiations,” it said.

“International borders must not be changed by force.”

Zelensky proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an open letter on Thursday.