Ukraine Peace Talks: Putin & Trump Update on War Efforts

Paul Adams
Diplomatic correspondent

This morning’s meeting at Downing Street is the latest in a series of carefully choreographed European moves designed to show solidarity with Ukraine – not just to Vladimir Putin but also to Donald Trump.

It’s been a remarkable week since Trump announced that he and the Russian leader were going to meet face to face in Alaska.

Working at speed, European diplomats have orchestrated a series of key conversations.

Last Saturday, officials convened a meeting of national security advisers at the Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s country residence at Chevening, during a private visit by the US Vice President JD Vance.

Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, and top presidential adviser, Andrii Yermak, were both present. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff joined by phone.

On Wednesday, another flurry of meetings took place, including a multilateral phone call that included Donald Trump and President Zelensky – something that probably wouldn’t have happened without a major push by Ukraine’s European allies.

Will any of this have an effect?

It’s hard to tell, but Alex Younger, the former head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, says he’s been impressed by Europe’s recent efforts.

“I think they’ve organised to tremendous effect to add consequences to both Putin and Trump’s actions,” he told the Today Programme.

Younger went further, highlighting recent European military and economic assistance for Ukraine.

“I think we’re getting to the point now can actually effectively substitute for the tremendous contribution the US has made.”