Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with key European allies in London, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, amid growing US pressure for a rapid peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. Central to Kyiv’s concerns is whether any deal would require territorial concessions to Russia and the need for enforceable security guarantees ensuring long-term adherence by Moscow.

Ahead of the talks, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that Ukraine must receive "hard-edged security guarantees" and retain the right to self-determination. European leaders discussed not only Ukraine’s future but the broader security of the continent, with one pressing concern being that ceding territory to Russia could embolden further aggression across Europe.

Despite appearances of unity, European leaders face a delicate balancing act with Washington. The US National Security Strategy recently criticized European expectations as "unrealistic," while concerns linger that US President Donald Trump is pushing for a rapid resolution. Many officials worry that a rushed deal might halt immediate hostilities but fail to establish a lasting peace, potentially allowing Russian destabilization efforts to continue.

The proximity of the war to Europe has been underscored by recent incidents: drone disruptions at airports in Germany, Denmark, and Belgium, railway sabotage in Poland, and major cyber-attacks attributed to Russia. These events highlight Russia’s broader destabilization tactics, though European leaders often temper public statements to maintain diplomatic relations with Washington. Starmer acknowledged Trump’s role in advancing negotiations, while Chancellor Merz expressed skepticism over details of the US-backed peace proposals, highlighting the need for discussion.

Europe’s cautious stance stems from its military dependence on the US. NATO nations rely heavily on Washington for intelligence, air force capabilities, and command structures. Despite commitments to increase defense spending, European countries cannot independently guarantee continental security. For instance, France’s draft budget allocates only €120 million (£105 million) for civilian and military support to Ukraine next year.

European and US approaches to Moscow remain fundamentally divergent. Europeans, particularly in nations bordering Russia, perceive Moscow as a destabilizing force. In contrast, the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy prioritizes "strategic stability" with Russia and questions Europe’s long-term reliability. The most recent US peace plan, which was leaked, favored Russia by proposing full Ukrainian cession of the Donbas region. Subsequent discussions in Moscow and Miami failed to reach consensus.

President Zelensky’s diplomatic week in London sought additional support packages and air defense systems, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining unity between Europe, Ukraine, and Washington. European leaders must carefully navigate this "tortuous dance," promoting Ukrainian sovereignty while preserving essential alliances and continental security.