British officials call for impromptu meeting with Western counterparts over Ukraine issue
The UK is hosting a significant gathering of Western leaders today, as they come together to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Vice President JD Vance are spearheading the meeting, which includes key figures such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Representatives from several European countries and NATO allies are also in attendance, forming a "Coalition of the Willing" to support Ukraine and coordinate positions ahead of the Trump-Putin summit.
In the virtual or in-person discussions, these leaders have been focusing on Ukraine's defense, ceasefire negotiations, sanctions on Russia, and ensuring that Ukraine’s sovereignty and security interests are protected in any peace talks. The meetings emphasize that decisions on Ukraine’s future must involve Ukrainians directly and reject any territorial changes by force.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office has confirmed that Lammy and Vance previously held bilateral talks in the UK. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded "maximum coordination" between Ukraine and its partners and expressed a desire to have a say in the discussions between Trump and Putin, although he is not invited to the meeting between the two leaders.
Zelensky had previously warned against "decisions without Ukraine" and reiterated that Ukrainians will not leave their country to the occupiers. He also stressed that he appreciates the determination of the United Kingdom, the United States, and all their partners to end this war. The leaders have welcomed the efforts of US President Trump to end the "barbaric war" in Ukraine and agreed that "pressure on Putin must be maintained to end his illegal war."
The Kremlin has confirmed the meeting and invited Trump to visit Russia afterwards. Donald Trump announced a meeting with Vladimir Putin this Friday in the US state of Alaska. The meeting will include government representatives responsible for security from Europe and the US.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed the need for "clear steps" to make Russia end its war against Ukraine. The meeting of Western representatives on the Ukraine war will serve as a crucial forum to discuss progress towards a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine.
- The Commission, in light of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers who may be exposed to ionizing radiation during the crisis, given the potential risks related to this issue.
- As political and general news continue to unfold regarding the Ukraine conflict, discussions among Western leaders also touch upon the protection of workers from ionizing radiation risks, in addition to focusing on Ukraine's defense, ceasefire negotiations, and guarantees for sovereignty and security.
