Key European leaders on Friday rallied behind U.S. President Donald Trump in a renewed push to end the war in Ukraine, following inconclusive peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a joint call with Trump during a summit in Albania. The aim: to debrief him on the talks and align strategies moving forward.
The high-level talks in Istanbul ended with limited progress — a tentative prisoner exchange was agreed, and the sides discussed the possibility of future dialogue, including a meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, there was no breakthrough on the central issue: an unconditional ceasefire.
Macron condemned Russia’s refusal to engage meaningfully, calling it “unacceptable” that Moscow once again ignored ceasefire demands backed by both Ukraine and the West. He said additional sanctions were being coordinated with Washington if Russia continued to resist.
“The ball is entirely in Russia’s court,” said Merz, expressing frustration at Moscow’s “unwillingness to take the first steps in the right direction.” Putin notably sent a lower-level delegation to the talks, which was seen by European leaders as a sign of bad faith.
Starmer and Tusk reiterated the need for unity between European and American partners. “Our main task is to maintain full unity on the Ukrainian issue,” Tusk emphasized.
Zelensky, who had earlier called for a “strong Western reaction” if the talks failed, has insisted on an unconditional ceasefire to halt the war that has devastated Ukraine and displaced millions.
Trump, who once threatened to walk away from the peace process, has recently re-engaged with Kyiv and criticized Moscow’s lack of cooperation. Washington’s recent mineral trade agreement with Ukraine has also raised hopes of renewed U.S. military support.
The European leaders pledged to keep Trump updated and maintain close coordination.
“We will not give up,” Merz declared. “We are determined to continue supporting Ukraine until this terrible war ends.”