**Ukraine and Europe Plan for Lasting Peace**
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 5 that Ukraine and Europe are working on a plan for the first steps towards a just and sustainable peace. This comes as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year.
Zelensky wrote on Telegram that the plan is being prepared quickly and will be ready soon. He will participate in a special European Council meeting on March 6, where EU leaders are expected to discuss continued support for Ukraine and security guarantees for a lasting peace.
**Western Leaders Meet in London**
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a summit on March 2, gathering key Western leaders to coordinate support for Ukraine. Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk attended the meeting.
Zelensky said that Europe has a common vision for ending Russia’s war and securing long-term stability. He added that the US should be at the table of future negotiations together with Ukraine and the United States.
**US Officials Hold Talks in Istanbul**
U.S. and Russian officials held talks in Istanbul on February 27, following their initial meeting in Riyadh on February 18. The discussions have raised concerns in Kyiv and Europe that Washington is sidelining its allies.
**Zelensky’s Comments Follow Shift in US Foreign Policy**
President Zelensky’s remarks follow a dramatic shift in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump. Trump has echoed Kremlin narratives and accused the Ukrainian president of prolonging the war. The US has frozen all military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move widely seen as an attempt to pressure Kyiv into talks with Russia.
**Ukraine Faces Challenges**
The survey found that 70% of adults surveyed disagreed with the statement “Ukraine is more to blame for starting the war.” Seven percent agreed. The US has halted intelligence sharing with Kyiv, threatening Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian targets amid the full-scale war.
**International Community Supports Ukraine**
President Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer may visit Washington as early as next week to present a “united front” on peace in Ukraine. An allied initiative, co-headed by the U.K. and Latvia, was launched in January 2024.
**Russia’s Invasion Continues**
Ukrainian forces carried out a drone strike against Russian targets, according to reports. Russia has been involved in an ongoing invasion of Ukraine for over four years. The conflict has led to significant economic losses for Russia.
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