Zelensky in London for talks with Starmer, Macron and Merz

(Patria) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the leaders of Germany and France at Downing Street on Sunday for talks on European support for Ukraine and strengthening efforts to end the war, Reuters reported.

"The main focus is our defense in the war, greater cooperation for the security of all of Europe in the area of air defense, and our shared view on diplomatic prospects," Zelensky wrote on X upon arriving in the UK. "Europe must be part of the negotiations and must be strong," he added.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz were greeted by Starmer at the door of Number 10 before Zelensky's arrival.

The UK, France and Germany have an informal security alliance called the E3, which has become one of the main international supporters of Ukraine.

Macron said on Friday that Europeans could help Ukraine and Russia reach both a ceasefire and a peace plan.

However, both sides accused the other of refusing to compromise.

Zelensky published an open letter on Thursday proposing direct talks with Vladimir Putin to end the war, now in its fifth year, but the Russian president rejected it.

In his letter, Zelensky said that Russians are tired of Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, high inflation and fuel shortages, and are ready for peace.

Putin said the offer does not seem sincere and that he currently sees no point in a meeting, adding that a "long-term" agreement is needed.

The Russian leader stuck to his stance on the war during a meeting with international media on Thursday, but said that US President Donald Trump's proposals for peace could end the fighting if Kyiv were ready to compromise.