Ukraine war live: Zelenskyy leaves Downing Street after peace plan talks as Merz says Germany ‘sceptical’ about some US proposals

Europe finds itself navigating a complex tapestry of geopolitical shifts, internal strife, and high-stakes diplomacy. From critical talks on the future of Ukraine to a startling redefinition of transatlantic relations and simmering domestic discontent, the continent is at a pivotal juncture. Recent events underscore the profound challenges facing European leaders as they strive to maintain unity, secure peace, and uphold democratic values in an increasingly fractured world.

High-Stakes Diplomacy for Ukraine: Seeking Unity Amidst Shifting Sands

The spotlight recently fell on London, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in crucial discussions with UK leader Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The atmosphere was notably sombre, reflecting the gravity of the issues at hand. This was no mere photo opportunity; rather, it was a gathering necessitated by urgent, unresolved matters concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the intricate path toward a lasting peace.

Zelenskyy's Critical London Summit

Upon his arrival at 10 Downing Street, Zelenskyy was greeted by Starmer, setting the stage for a series of bilateral and multilateral talks. The Ukrainian President, visibly earnest, underscored the indispensable need for unity among Europe, Ukraine, and the United States. "There are things we can’t manage without Americans, … we can’t manage without Europe," Zelenskyy stated, articulating Ukraine's reliance on a cohesive international front. The discussions delved into a spectrum of "sensitive" issues, from refining a potential US-led peace plan to solidifying robust security guarantees for Ukraine's post-war future and outlining comprehensive reconstruction efforts.

French President Emmanuel Macron, ever the proponent of European strategic autonomy, asserted that Europe possessed "a lot of cards in our hands." This remark, widely interpreted as a subtle but firm pushback against perceived US dominance in peace negotiations, signaled Europe's desire to be recognized as an equal partner by both Washington and Moscow. Macron emphasized the collective support for Ukraine and the pursuit of peace, while also highlighting Russia's increasingly strained economy as a leverage point. He stressed the imperative of aligning European and American strategies to forge a unified path forward.

Perhaps most tellingly, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a politician historically known for his staunch pro-American stance, openly expressed his "scepticism" regarding "some of the details coming in the documents from the US side." This candid admission from such a long-standing advocate of transatlantic ties speaks volumes about the evolving perceptions within Europe concerning the Trump administration's approach. Merz reiterated Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine, declaring that "the destiny of this country is the destiny of Europe," but his reservations hinted at deeper divergences in strategic thinking.

The Thorny Path to Peace: Territorial Concessions and US Pressure

At the heart of any potential peace settlement lies the contentious issue of territory, which remains "the most problematic" aspect of negotiations. Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unwilling to agree to any settlement that does not involve territorial concessions from Ukraine. This stance creates an immense diplomatic challenge, especially as the United States is reportedly "pressuring, like ‘faster, faster, faster’" for a resolution. However, Ukrainian officials firmly maintain that they "cannot agree to everything without working out the details," emphasizing the need for a meticulously crafted agreement that safeguards Ukraine's sovereignty and future.

Adding to the complexity are pronouncements from influential figures within the US political landscape. Donald Trump Jr., a key figure in the Maga movement, publicly warned that his father might withdraw support for Ukraine's war effort. In a lengthy tirade, he criticized the purpose of continued fighting, alleging that Ukraine's "corrupt" wealthy elite had fled, leaving "what they believed to be the peasant class" to bear the brunt of the war. While Trump Jr. holds no formal administrative role, his comments reflect a significant current of antipathy within certain US circles towards the Ukrainian government, and they align with reports that Trump's negotiating team is actively pressuring Kyiv to cede territory. Former President Trump himself further complicated matters by claiming that President Zelenskyy "isn’t ready" to sign off on a US-authored peace plan, despite his own team reportedly being keen on it. Such statements underscore the precarious position Ukraine finds itself in, reliant on US support yet facing considerable pressure to make difficult concessions.

Broader European and International Support

Beyond London, the diplomatic efforts continue. President Zelenskyy is slated to travel to Brussels for further meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa. These engagements highlight the broad-based European commitment to Ukraine's defense and recovery, even as the specifics of a peace agreement remain elusive.

Financial and military aid also remains a critical component of international support. The Netherlands, for instance, has pledged an additional €700 million ($815 million) in military support for Ukraine in the first quarter of 2026, building upon an earlier €3.5 billion commitment for the coming year, much of which has already been disbursed. This consistent flow of aid is vital for Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Moreover, a significant initiative gaining traction among EU member states is the proposal for a reparations loan for Ukraine, leveraging frozen Russian assets within the EU. The prime ministers of seven EU countries – Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden – have collectively endorsed this as the "most financially feasible and politically realistic solution." They argue that such a loan directly addresses Ukraine's right to compensation for damages inflicted by Russian aggression and would strengthen Ukraine's position both defensively and at the negotiating table for a "just and lasting peace." However, this proposal faces hurdles, notably from Belgium, where the majority of these frozen assets are held. Belgium's opposition stems from concerns over legal complexities, potential financial risks, and the argument that such a move could complicate efforts to de-escalate the conflict and achieve a peace settlement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a vocal supporter of the reparations loan, has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, including a recent meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, to garner broader consensus.

Transatlantic Tensions: A "Seismic Shift" in US-Europe Relations

While the immediate focus remains on Ukraine, a more profound and unsettling shift is occurring in the bedrock of transatlantic relations. A recently released US national security strategy document has sent shockwaves across Europe, prompting European leaders to confront what many describe as a "seismic shift" in Washington's approach to its long-standing allies.

A "Seismic Shift": US Strategy Targets Europe

The document, unveiled on a Friday, contains highly controversial language, claiming that Europe faces "civilisational erasure" due to migration and asserting that a "censorious EU" "undermines political liberty and sovereignty." Most alarmingly, it explicitly states that the US intends to "cultivate resistance" within the European bloc to "correct its current trajectory." This is not merely rhetorical flourish; analysts widely interpret this as a codified strategy to actively weaken the European Union and reshape its political landscape.

Experts have been quick to highlight the unprecedented nature of this strategy. Nicolai von Ondarza, head of European research at the German Institute for International and European Affairs, unequivocally stated that the document "really represents a fundamental shift in transatlantic relations." He pointed specifically to "open US backing for regime change" in Europe, arguing that it is "no longer possible for EU and national European leaders to deny that US strategy towards its European allies has radically changed." This sentiment was echoed by Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, Eurasia programme at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, who asserted that political meddling in Europe to support far-right nationalist movements is now "a core part of America’s national strategy." Bergmann warned that this is not just a fleeting statement but official US policy that will be actively implemented, noting that "in a fragmented political landscape, a 1-2% shift can change elections." This suggests a deliberate effort to influence European electoral outcomes and foster political fragmentation.

The strategy's origins can be traced back to earlier pronouncements, notably a speech by JD Vance at this year’s Munich Security Conference. Vance, a prominent figure aligned with the Trump administration's worldview, had accused EU leaders of suppressing free speech, failing to curb illegal migration, and being out of touch with voters' true beliefs. The new national security strategy, therefore, transposes this doctrine into an officially backed state line, giving it significant weight and implications for future US-EU interactions.

Europe's Defiant Stance and Russia's Approval

In response to this provocative US strategy, European Council President António Costa issued a strong rebuke, unequivocally rejecting any attempt by the United States to interfere in Europe’s internal politics. "What we cannot accept is the threat to interfere in European politics," Costa declared at a conference in Brussels. He firmly asserted that "the United States cannot replace European citizens in choosing which parties are good and which are bad," nor can it dictate Europe's vision of freedom of expression. Costa's statements reflect a growing determination within Europe to assert its sovereignty and protect its democratic processes from external manipulation.

Adding a deeply unsettling layer to these transatlantic tensions is the Kremlin's reaction. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed the new US security strategy, calling it an "encouraging change of policy that largely aligns with Russian thinking." Peskov praised signals that the Trump administration was "in favour of dialogue and building good relations," while cautioning against potential sabotage by the supposed US "deep state." This endorsement from Moscow has only heightened European concerns, as it suggests a troubling alignment between US and Russian interests in weakening the European project and fostering internal divisions.

Internal EU Challenges: Protests, Corruption, and Digital Clashes

Beyond the geopolitical chess game, Europe is also grappling with significant internal pressures, ranging from widespread farmer protests to high-profile clashes with tech giants.

Greek Farmers' Fury: Subsidies, Corruption, and Blockades

In Greece, mounting anger among farmers over delayed EU farming subsidies and soaring production costs has escalated into widespread protests. What began as localized demonstrations has rapidly spread nationwide, culminating in dramatic actions such as the attempted blockade of Crete’s international airport. Protesting farmers, supported by livestock breeders, vandalized a police vehicle and managed to reach the runway, causing disruptions to air traffic. Highways and border crossings across the country have also been blockaded by tractors, with farmers vowing to extend their protests to ports, signaling a sustained campaign of disruption.

The core grievance stems from an estimated €600 million in EU subsidies and other payments being frozen. This freeze is a direct consequence of a corruption scandal earlier in the year, which exposed fraudulent agricultural aid claims. The fallout from these revelations led to the resignations of five senior government officials, including former agriculture minister Makis Voridis, further embarrassing the government amidst an ongoing inquiry. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has appealed to the protesters to engage in dialogue, warning that "blind protests" risk alienating public opinion, even if some of their complaints are justified. He emphasized that the door to his office and the agriculture ministry remains "always open" for constructive discussions, promising "significant payments" by the end of December to address the delays.

Elon Musk vs. The European Union: A Digital Sovereignty Battle

The digital realm has also seen its share of European challenges, notably a high-profile clash between the European Union and tech mogul Elon Musk. Following a €120 million fine imposed on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for non-compliance with new EU digital laws, Musk launched a series of "anti-EU outbursts." He publicly characterized the EU as "the enemy of Europe," a "bureaucratic monster," and called for its abolition, reflecting his strong libertarian views and disdain for regulatory oversight.

The European Commission, however, responded with characteristic calm and a firm assertion of its principles. Paula Pinho, the Commission's chief spokesperson, remarked that it is "part of the freedom of speech to put out even completely crazy statements," effectively dismissing Musk's rhetoric while upholding fundamental rights. She clarified that the fine reflected "non-compliance with law," not an ideological vendetta. Thomas Regnier, the EU’s digital spokesperson, further elaborated on the EU's diplomatic approach, stating, "It takes 1 or 2 sentences to polarise the world, … to create escalations or tensions. It takes hundreds and thousands of sentences – and we’re doing it here, from this podium – to diplomatically appease tensions, because we have many shared challenges with our American friends. You may call this weakness. I call this strength. This is European strength, and this is what we will keep doing also with our US counterparts." This exchange underscores the EU's commitment to regulating digital platforms and asserting its digital sovereignty, even in the face of powerful tech giants and their outspoken leaders.

A Continent at a Crossroads

The confluence of these events paints a vivid picture of a continent at a crossroads. From the urgent diplomatic efforts to secure peace in Ukraine and redefine its relationship with a shifting United States, to managing internal dissent from farmers and asserting regulatory authority over global tech titans, Europe faces a multifaceted array of challenges. The coming months will undoubtedly test the resilience of European unity, the strength of its institutions, and the resolve of its leaders to navigate these turbulent waters, ensuring stability and prosperity for its citizens.