UK, France, Germany Set Five Peace Conditions for Ukraine War, June 08

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 7 in London to set out five conditions for a peace deal with Russia. The joint statement represents Europe’s strongest diplomatic push yet to end the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The conditions focus on immediate ceasefire, security guarantees, and compensation for Ukrainian losses.

Five Conditions for Peace Negotiations

The E3 leaders and Zelenskyy agreed on five requirements for a just peace. First, Russia must agree to an immediate and complete ceasefire. Second, negotiations must start from the current line of contact, with international borders unchanged by force. Third, Ukraine needs robust and legally binding security guarantees, including deployment of a multinational force. Fourth, Russian assets remain frozen until Moscow ends the war and compensates Ukraine for damage. Fifth, any deal must safeguard European security interests and require EU and NATO consent on relevant terms.

Military Support and Air Defence Escalation

The leaders stressed the urgent need to scale up production of interceptors and co-develop anti-ballistic missile and deep-strike capabilities to counter Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missiles. Russia has intensified aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing civilian casualties. The statement condemned Russia’s large-scale missile and drone strikes, as well as dangerous drone incursions into NATO territory. Ukraine faces a shortage of air defence systems partly due to depletion of US stocks during the Iran war.

Zelenskyy’s Battlefield Gains and Diplomatic Shift

The leaders welcomed Ukraine’s recent military successes, including territory liberation and ground-breaking drone technology. Zelenskyy had proposed direct talks with Putin in an open letter on June 5, which Putin rejected. The London meeting shows Zelenskyy now negotiates from a position of strength rather than as a supplicant. Ukraine recently struck St Petersburg with hundreds of drones, hitting a naval base and oil depot during Russia’s economic forum.

Coordination Through G7 and NATO Summits

The E3 leaders plan to use the G7 summit at Evian on June 15 and the NATO summit in Ankara in July to coordinate further support for Ukraine. They aim to increase military and defence pledges and pressure Russia’s war economy. The statement emphasizes that all efforts must involve closest cooperation with Ukraine, wider European partners, and the US. Long-term industrial cooperation will strengthen Europe’s own defence capabilities.

Final Thoughts

The E3 leaders have set clear terms for peace that require Russia’s immediate ceasefire and compensation for war damage. Ukraine’s recent military gains give Zelenskyy leverage in future negotiations, though Putin has rejected direct talks and conditions remain far apart.

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