On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a crucial meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. This visit is part of Zelenskyy’s ongoing diplomatic maneuvers ahead of a significant summit scheduled for Friday between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Zelenskyy's discussions in London followed his recent trip to Berlin, Germany, where he met with various European leaders and held a virtual conversation with Trump to outline Ukraine's critical demands in the peace negotiations aimed at ending Russia's full-scale invasion, which commenced in February 2022.
During his diplomatic efforts, Kyiv has articulated five essential demands that must be met before engaging in any peace talks. First and foremost, Ukraine insists on a prior ceasefire before entering negotiations. Furthermore, Ukraine must be actively involved in the discussions, and it will reserve the right to make decisions regarding any potential territorial concessions, starting from the current front lines. Additionally, Ukraine has expressed the necessity for solid security guarantees that involve the United States in any agreements. Lastly, Ukraine has called for increased sanctions and pressure on Russia, particularly if the upcoming Alaska summit does not yield positive results.
In a positive development for Ukraine, Zelenskyy and his European allies reported that Trump has agreed to the outlined negotiation framework. Trump also issued a stern warning to Putin about the severe consequences that could arise if Russia fails to agree to a ceasefire. Although Trump did not specify what those consequences might entail, he indicated that sanctions could be a part of the discussion without providing further details. The friendly nature of Trump's call with Zelenskyy suggested the possibility of a second summit that could bring together both Ukrainian and Russian leaders in the near future.
During the discussions, Zelenskyy conveyed to Trump and other leaders his belief that Putin is merely bluffing regarding peace negotiations. “Putin definitely does not want peace; he wants the occupation of our country,” Zelenskyy stated emphatically. He emphasized the necessity for continued pressure on Russia to facilitate a genuine path toward peace, underscoring the need for both American and European sanctions. Zelenskyy expressed hope that the central theme of the Alaska meeting would focus on achieving an immediate ceasefire, as he reiterated the ongoing commitment of the U.S. president to this cause.
As diplomatic efforts unfold, military tensions remain high. Long-range drone and missile attacks persisted overnight into Thursday, with Ukraine's air force reporting that Russia launched 45 drones and two missiles during this period. Of these, 24 drones were successfully intercepted or suppressed. The air force noted that 21 drones impacted various locations across Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Russian military actions.
In a troubling development, local officials in Rostov-on-Don, a southern city close to the Ukrainian border that serves as a significant military hub for Russia, reported that a Ukrainian drone struck a residential building, injuring at least 13 people. Additionally, Ukraine's General Staff revealed that drones targeted the Volgograd Oil Refinery Plant in southwest Russia, a facility crucial for the logistics of the Russian armed forces.
This report includes contributions from ABC News' Patrick Reevell, Hannah Demissie, Michelle Stoddart, and Joe Simonetti, underscoring the collaborative effort to provide comprehensive coverage of this evolving situation.
