Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met today with European leaders Emmanuel Macron (France), Friedrich Merz (Germany), Keir Starmer (United Kingdom), and Donald Tusk (Poland) on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Tirana. The meeting followed the conclusion of the first round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Constantinople.
According to Serhii Nykyforov, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian presidency, the leaders held a joint phone call during the summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Earlier in the day, President Zelensky had called for a “strong response” should the peace talks in Constantinople fail.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) after the call, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to pursuing peace swiftly: “Ukraine is ready to take the fastest possible steps to bring real peace, and it is important that the world holds a strong stance,” he stated. “Our position — if the Russians reject a full and unconditional ceasefire and an end to killings, tough sanctions must follow. Pressure on Russia must be maintained until Russia is ready to end the war.”
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the need for increased pressure, asserting that Russia “does not appear willing” to agree to a ceasefire and that diplomatic and economic pressure must be intensified to compel Moscow to engage meaningfully.
Spoke with @POTUS together with President Macron, Federal Chancellor Merz, Prime Ministers Starmer and Tusk. We discussed the meeting in Istanbul.
Ukraine is ready to take the fastest possible steps to bring real peace, and it is important that the world holds a strong stance.… pic.twitter.com/CG3pAnN5Ip
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 16, 2025
