London Declaration: Europe and Ukraine call on Putin for ceasefire

At the top of the list is the demand that Putin agree to an "immediate and complete ceasefire." In addition, the signatories demand that international borders must not be changed by force, that frozen Russian assets must remain blocked until Russia ends the war and pays compensation, and that Ukraine retains, "unequivocally," the right to choose its own security arrangements and alliances. According to the will of the four, the current front line is to serve as the starting point for negotiations.

Security guarantees and the role of the USA

At the same time, they announced extensive security commitments. As soon as a ceasefire comes into force, Ukraine is to receive "robust and legally binding" security guarantees, including the stationing of a multinational force. The USA and Europe must be "actively" involved in the negotiations. The Europeans also promised Zelensky further military support; further consultations are planned at the G7 and NATO summits in June and July.

Zelensky's signals to Moscow

The Ukrainian president spoke before the meeting in an interview with the British broadcaster Sky News. He said that in the past there had been repeated signals from Moscow about possible talks, but that these had "always fizzled out." At the same time, he emphasized that Putin "wants to win this terrible war" but had recently realized that his troops had lost the initiative on the battlefield. All decisions about what happens next rested "100 percent" with him. "Sometimes you don't understand what the Russians really want," Zelensky added.

Zelensky also declared his willingness to hold bilateral talks with Putin — but not in Moscow, not in Kyiv, and not in Minsk. He expressly welcomed the participation of the USA and Europe in any negotiations with Moscow on ending the war. According to ZDF reporter Dara Hassanzadeh's assessment, the Ukrainian president sees a window for negotiations that is currently opening.

Next steps in the EU and the "coalition of the willing"

The allies are also discussing closer military cooperation with Kyiv. According to the information provided, the London meeting also addressed how the alliance can learn from Ukraine's combat experience and expand long-term industrial cooperation in order to strengthen European defence capabilities. The heads of state and government underlined the urgent need to strengthen missile defence and the availability of long-range weapons.

In parallel with the diplomatic efforts, EU defence ministers are preparing an informal meeting in Cyprus, which is to address support for Ukraine as well as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Further talks on supporting Kyiv are also planned within the so-called "coalition of the willing," a grouping of Ukraine's allies. The diplomatic initiatives are intended to increase pressure on Moscow and pave the way for substantive negotiations.