Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine are becoming more urgent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. This meeting happened before a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

There are worries that the Trump-Putin meeting could lead to a deal that favors Russia's goals in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy's visit to London is seen as a key step before the Trump-Putin meeting.

He met with Prime Minister Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The meeting was not expected to be long. There was no press conference planned. So, details of their discussion were not immediately available.

The main topic was likely the upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin. There are concerns that Trump and Putin might make a deal about Ukraine without Ukraine's input. This could mean Ukraine would have to give up land or make security concessions.

However, there is some hope that Trump will take a tougher stance with Putin. After a phone call between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders in Berlin, Trump talked about "severe consequences" if Putin does not work towards a ceasefire. Starmer said Trump came up with "a viable path to peace."

Zelenskyy likely wanted to know what Trump meant by his words. He also wanted to know what Trump might do when he meets Putin. Zelenskyy sees Starmer as an important ally. He also believes Starmer may have influence with Trump.

They likely talked about:

  • What Trump said and what he meant.
  • What Trump might do when he meets Putin.
  • How to secure peace if a deal is reached.

Post-War Security

Zelenskyy and Starmer also likely discussed security after the war. Starmer, along with France's Emmanuel Macron, has been a leader in creating a group of countries willing to participate in a peacekeeping operation after the war.

Putin has said that Ukraine cannot join NATO and must disarm. Trump has said the U.S. will not provide security guarantees. This would leave Ukraine in a weak position. But, after the phone call on Wednesday, it seemed like the U.S. might be willing to be part of a post-war security plan.

This potential U.S. involvement was likely a key part of their discussion.

Meanwhile, fighting on the ground has become more intense. Russia claims Ukraine fired drones across the border. These drones caused fires in two southern regions. In Belgorod, three people were hurt when a Ukrainian drone hit a car. In Volgograd, debris from strikes caused a fire at an oil refinery.

Zelenskyy's meetings with allies like Starmer are important for several reasons:

  • To coordinate plans before major talks with Russia.
  • To seek support for Ukraine's position.
  • To discuss security plans for after the war.

These talks show the importance of diplomacy in the effort to end the war in Ukraine.

The meeting between Zelenskyy and Starmer is a key step in the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. With the Trump-Putin summit on the horizon, the stakes are high, and the need for strong alliances and clear strategies is greater than ever. 

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