Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London on 7/6 and met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

In a joint declaration with Mr. Zelensky, the leaders stated, "The leaders supported direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, with the US and Europe actively participating, to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate further negotiations."

"The current front line should be the starting point for negotiations", the statement read. "International borders must not be changed by force."

(From left) German Chancellor, Ukrainian President, British Prime Minister, and French President in London on 7/6. Photo: AP

This message followed President Zelensky's open letter on 4/6 to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, proposing a direct meeting between the two leaders. Mr. Putin refused, stating there was no reason to meet Mr. Zelensky until a peace agreement is signed.

President Zelensky told Sky News on 7/6 that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich met him in Kiev and offered to convey Ukraine's message to the Kremlin regarding peace prospects.

"He came to Kiev, saying 'I am in direct contact with you and want to receive a message from you and convey it back to President Putin'. But he said this must remain confidential, with no public statements", President Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader clarified that this was not a secret meeting, adding that Russia sought to understand what Kiev "was ready to do".

"I said that the problem is not with us. You are fighting against us right on Ukrainian territory. I told him about the Donbass region, and that was the core message. I said we would not withdraw from our territory and would not give you victory that way", President Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader also reiterated his rejection of meeting his counterpart Putin in Russia or Belarus. He indicated a willingness to accept a ceasefire along the current front line as the fastest way to advance negotiations, but noted that this does not mean abandoning territory.

Mr. Abramovich in Istanbul, Turkey, in 7/2022. Photo: AFP

The European Union and the UK sanctioned Mr. Abramovich after Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine in early 2022, due to his links with the Kremlin. He previously played a key role in failed peace talks at the start of the conflict, as well as in the agreement to secure grain exports via the Black Sea, but has appeared less frequently since then.

President Putin has affirmed that Russia will not cease fighting until Ukraine withdraws from the Donbass region, including the Lugansk and Donetsk provinces. Ukraine currently controls about one-fifth of Donetsk. President Zelensky has declared that he will not abandon Donbass or the Ukrainian people living there.

Pham Giang (Source: AFP, Reuters, Sky News)