UK, France, Germany Back Zelenskyys Call for Direct Talks With Putin to End Ukraine War

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Downing Street in London on March 17, 2026. Thomas Krych/AP PhotoThe leaders of the UK, France, and Germany said on June 7 that they support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to achieve a ceasefire.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron said in a joint statement that any effort to reach a ceasefire deal with Russia should include active participation from Europe and the United States.