Zelensky Urges EU to Push Putin to Drop ‘Unnecessary Demands’ in Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls on EU leaders to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to abandon “unnecessary demands” in ongoing peace negotiations.

Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian officials are scheduled to meet with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia next Monday, following confirmation from the Kremlin about talks between the United States and Russia taking place there.

During a news conference, Zelensky dismissed Russia’s terms for a potential peace agreement and stated that removing Ukraine’s NATO membership as an option would be a “significant concession to Russia.”

Earlier, the Ukrainian leader spoke at a summit of EU leaders and stated that Putin needs to halt his “unnecessary demands.”

Meanwhile, with an upcoming “coalition of the willing” meeting involving top military leaders from around 20 countries, Keir Starmer emphasizes that it is crucial for the UK to respond “immediately” if a peace agreement is reached.

The conflict persists, with Russian strikes overnight resulting in the deaths of two individuals in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks injured 10 people and ignited a fire at an airfield.

What is the death toll in the Ukraine-Russia war? BBC’s Vitaliy Shevchenko discusses why determining an exact figure is challenging.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer informed the BBC’s Phil Chapman that a meeting with security leaders is scheduled for this afternoon, with the goal of developing plans to ensure Ukraine’s safety following previous “political momentum.”

He stated during his visit to Barrow in northwest England, “Today, we’re transitioning from the political momentum we achieved over the weekend to focusing on military planning. That’s what’s occurring at headquarters today.”

Transforming the concept into detailed plans, with a focus on ensuring the safety of Ukrainian skies, seas, and borders.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister made an uncommon visit to a nuclear-armed submarine, stating that the Kremlin respects the UK’s nuclear arsenal because “we have our own independent deterrent and are committed to NATO.”

At a summit today, all EU leaders except Hungary’s Viktor Orbán voted to maintain the bloc’s “steadfast support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

In an official statement released this afternoon, the EU announced that 26 of its 27 member countries have agreed to continue their “peace through strength” approach. This strategy emphasizes ensuring Ukraine possesses strong military and defense capabilities.

The EU “continues to be prepared to increase pressure on Russia” and will persist in providing Ukraine with both regular financial assistance and military support, according to the statement.

Earlier, Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at the summit, stating that it is “utterly anti-European for a single individual to obstruct decisions crucial for the entire continent or those already settled upon.”

Although Zelensky did not mention Orbán directly, he stated that it was inappropriate for “European efforts aimed at increasing security and peace to be continually obstructed.”

He stated, “Europe needs a mechanism to prevent individual actors from obstructing what is essential for everyone.”