Zelenskyy made the remarks in London after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He warned that Ukraine requires almost $15 billion (₹1.27 lakh crore) for American arms alone, even as Washington’s assistance has fallen sharply in recent months.
Starmer, who chaired the meeting, stressed that Kyiv will determine the terms of any peace arrangement, underscoring Britain’s continued backing of Ukraine’s territorial claims. Macron said European sanctions were tightening pressure on Russia’s weakened economy. Chancellor Merz, however, expressed unease about the U.S. position, saying Europe still faces “serious discussions” ahead.
Zelenskyy is expected to present a revised 20-point peace proposal to the United States later today, a trimmed version of Donald Trump’s original 28-point plan. Washington’s framework had demanded major concessions from Ukraine, including giving up nearly 20% of its territory, shrinking its armed forces to six lakh personnel, and foregoing NATO membership.
Under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) established in July 2025 during a meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte NATO members raise low-interest loans that Ukraine uses to purchase U.S.-made weapons such as Patriot air-defence systems and HIMARS launchers. Kyiv must repay the loans later, but the mechanism ensures immediate deliveries during the conflict.
Zelenskyy did not clarify which European capitals failed to release funds on time. Meanwhile, London, Paris and Berlin reaffirmed that their governments remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s defence and diplomatic efforts as the war enters another year of uncertainty.
