Britain confirmed multiple truce proposals for Ukraine, following France’s plan for a one-month ceasefire leading to peace talks. European nations, led by Britain and France, are backing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy after tensions escalated with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump, who bypassed Ukraine and other Western allies by engaging Moscow directly, publicly criticized Zelenskiy, warning that U.S. military aid could be cut. Responding to an AP report quoting Zelenskiy as saying peace is "very, very far away," Trump wrote on Truth Social that "America will not put up with it for much longer."
France proposed a temporary truce to test Russia’s willingness for peace, with potential European troop deployment if conditions hold. However, Moscow has rejected foreign military presence. Zelenskiy insists a ceasefire must come with Western security guarantees, which Trump refuses to offer.
After a tense White House meeting, Zelenskiy left Washington without signing a key minerals deal with the U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz urged Zelenskiy to apologize and support peace talks. Germany’s soon-to-be chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested Zelenskiy was deliberately cornered in the meeting.
European leaders, frustrated by Trump’s shift, are pushing for greater defense spending to counter growing uncertainty. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for stronger European military capabilities.
Trump’s recent call with Putin and subsequent push for negotiations blindsided Ukraine and its Western allies. The Kremlin praised the U.S. policy shift, noting the weakening of Western unity. Meanwhile, European nations are scrambling to solidify their stance, knowing that their alliance with the U.S. is under strain.