E3 leaders say they support direct ceasefire talks between Ukraine, Russia

AGENCIES
(L to R) Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France's President Emmanuel Macron chat on the 10 Downing Street doorstep after a meeting in central London on June 7, 2026. (Photo by Henry NICHOLLS / AFP)

LONDON: The leaders of Britain, Germany and ​France said on Sunday they supported a proposal for direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr ‌Zelensky and Russian ‌President ​Vladimir ‌Putin ⁠to ​try to ⁠secure a ceasefire, with Europe playing a role.
In a joint statement after a ⁠meeting in ‌London, ‌British Prime Minister ​Keir ‌Starmer, German Chancellor ‌Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron said they commended Zelensky’s ‌call for an end to the ⁠war ⁠and supported the proposal for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia — with active US and European participation — to that end.
The three leaders issued the statement after meeting with the Ukrainian leader in London.
“The current line of contact should be the starting point for negotiations,” the statement said.