European leaders say 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.
A White House official confirmed the call took place but did not provide further details.
This follows Trump calling European leaders weak the previous day, suggesting the US could scale back support for Ukraine.
In a recent interview, Trump claimed Ukraine was using war to avoid holding elections, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to affirm he was ready for elections.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Moscow currently controlling about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The three European leaders issued identical statements shortly after their call with Trump. They discussed ongoing US-led peace talks, calling for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, stating, Intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days. Zelensky indicated that a 20-point document on ending the war would soon be submitted to the US after talks with Trump’s team and European partners.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Zelensky faces pressure from Trump to cede territory to secure peace, which he firmly rejects, insisting on a ceasefire and solid security guarantees instead. The Kremlin has echoed Trump’s sentiments, prompting a complicated international dialogue surrounding the conflict.
