The United Kingdom hosted European foreign ministers in London on Monday for critical talks aimed at pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine and addressing Russian aggression.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the European Union as part of the “Weimar+” group—a coalition formed in February in response to evolving U.S. policy under President Donald Trump and concerns over European security.
The meeting followed a recent trip by leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland to Kyiv, where they jointly urged Russia to accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to enable peace negotiations—a proposal said to have U.S. backing.
Speaking at the summit, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire. “If there is no ceasefire, there cannot be talks under fire,” she warned, accusing Russia of insincerity. “It takes two to want peace. It takes only one to want war. And Russia clearly wants war.”
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 but did not respond to the ceasefire appeal.
Lammy criticized Moscow’s approach, saying, “It’s time for Putin to get serious about peace, a ceasefire, and real negotiations.” Despite the international pressure, the Ukrainian Air Force reported Russia launched over 100 drones overnight, continuing its attacks.
“From 11:00 pm on May 11, the enemy launched 108 drones, including Shahed drones,” the Air Force said, confirming 55 were intercepted by 8:30 am.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to meet Putin in Turkey but remained noncommittal about attending if Russia rejects the ceasefire.
President Trump weighed in on his Truth Social platform, urging Ukraine to agree to the Istanbul meeting, calling it a necessary step to determine whether peace is achievable. “If it’s not, then the world will at least know where things stand,” he wrote.
Monday’s talks mark the sixth meeting of the Weimar+ group and the first to be hosted by the UK. The agenda focuses on strengthening European defense and securing lasting peace in Ukraine. Lammy is also expected to announce new sanctions targeting Russian allies.
French Minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad, along with top diplomats from Germany, Spain, and Poland, attended the talks. Lammy described the moment as a historic test of Europe’s unity and resolve.
“This challenge isn’t just about Ukraine’s future—it’s existential for Europe,” he said.
European leaders remain cautious about Putin’s proposal, with French President Emmanuel Macron warning it may be a stalling tactic. “A real ceasefire must come before any negotiations,” he emphasized.
In a Sunday call with Lammy, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the urgency for an immediate ceasefire, calling it Washington’s “top priority,” according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
