Zelenskyy’s High-Stakes Diplomatic Sprint From London to Brussels and Rome Amid U.S.–Russia Backchannel Turbulence and Rising European Anxiety

PHOTO: shared by President Macron on X

In a rapidly intensifying diplomatic push, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy departed London late Wednesday and has already arrived in Belgium for urgent consultations with the leadership of NATO and the European Union. The whirlwind tour — unfolding against the backdrop of controversial U.S.–Russia backchannel contacts — underscores the precarious state of transatlantic alignment at a moment when decisions on Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity are approaching a critical juncture.

Following meetings in Brussels with NATO and EU leaders, Zelenskyy will continue directly to Italy around midnight, making Rome the third capital he visits in under 24 hours.

The urgency of the trip began in London, where Zelenskyy held intensive talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The European leaders were briefed on the latest developments stemming from the U.S.–Ukrainian discussions in Miami and the earlier five-hour Kremlin meeting between Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Vladimir Putin — a sequence of engagements that has raised deep concerns in Kyiv and several European capitals. According to officials present, Chancellor Merz offered a notably direct assessment of the U.S.-linked proposals, describing them as unrealistic and misaligned with both European security and Ukraine’s core interests. Zelenskyy thanked his counterparts for their clarity and for reinforcing a common European position at a sensitive time.

Speaking to journalists after the London consultations, Zelenskyy outlined the issues he considers most sensitive and most difficult to resolve: the escalating situation in Donbas, where Russia is attempting to seize additional territory; the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which he emphasized cannot function without Ukrainian specialists; and the overarching questions of security guarantees, long-term funding, and energy and air-defense support. He made it clear that Ukraine is not considering territorial exchanges or concessions, stressing that no credible settlement can be built on such a basis.

On territorial issues, he pushed back strongly against characterizations that frame Ukrainian defenses as inevitably losing ground. “Let’s not be so pessimistic,” he said, emphasizing that while the situation is extremely difficult, it does not follow that Russia will succeed in capturing anything further. He noted that some small areas in the Kharkiv and Sumy directions are currently indefensible if the line were frozen, and that these complexities must be addressed in negotiations — but not through bargaining away Ukrainian land.

Zelenskyy also clarified widespread confusion surrounding the structure of the negotiation documents. He explained that the original 28-point document was streamlined during the Geneva meeting, resulting in 20 points, and that the Miami consultations with the U.S. delegation finalized those 20. He added that Ukraine is not satisfied with the Russian feedback brought back by the American side, and that his government will send Washington a detailed position on security guarantees tomorrow evening. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is preparing a complementary economic recovery framework that will be submitted as well.

The President confirmed that the return of abducted Ukrainian children — along with all Ukrainian prisoners — is explicitly included in the 20-point document. He highlighted growing support in the U.S. Congress for this issue and noted that Melania Trump has also expressed her support for efforts to secure the children’s return.

In a related press exchange, Zelenskyy was asked about the PURL weapons procurement program and whether U.S. disengagement from negotiations could be offset by continued American arms through this mechanism. He stated plainly that such a scenario “would not work,” stressing that Ukraine must keep the United States engaged both in negotiations and in exerting pressure on Russia. He reiterated the critical importance of PURL, especially for the acquisition of air-defense systems not available in Europe, and thanked the Netherlands for its recent commitment of €700 million, which helps close this year’s funding gap.

Zelenskyy also addressed a security incident during his recent travel through Ireland, confirming that four unidentified military-style drones breached a no-fly zone near his flight path close to Dublin Airport. Ireland has opened an investigation. “Our security sector is fully aware and handling the situation,” he said, noting that Ukraine has, in many ways, adapted to operating under such persistent threats.

Questions about trust in the United States were also raised, particularly as some European leaders have publicly expressed reservations about Washington’s approach. Zelenskyy said that Europe contains a spectrum of views — some pro-Russian, some very pro-American — but emphasized that the United States remains an essential partner. He noted that President Donald Trump “clearly wants to end the war,” though his vision differs from Europe’s and Ukraine’s.

Zelenskyy praised Jared Kushner’s efforts and the seriousness of the American negotiating team but stressed that Ukraine’s core concern is the durability of any settlement: “We don’t trust Russia. That’s why every detail matters.”

Shortly after Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels, Trump reposted an article titled, “Impotent Europeans can only fume as Trump rightfully sidelines them from Ukraine deal.” 

At the same time, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO asserted that the United States is “the only world superpower” and that President Trump is the only figure capable of bringing both sides to the table. “If the U.S. walks away,” the ambassador warned, “the likelihood of peace diminishes.”

Meanwhile, ahead of Zelenskyy’s arrival in Rome, Italy announced a significant new contribution: a large shipment of Italian-manufactured power generators to help Ukraine address ongoing energy shortages caused by Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a phone call with the President, reaffirmed Italy’s “unwavering support,” and the generators are expected to begin arriving in the coming weeks.

President Macron, in a statement after the London talks, emphasized Europe’s commitment to a “just and lasting peace,” noting that sanctions continue to weaken the Russian economy and that coordination with both Ukraine and the United States remains essential.

As Zelenskyy continues his rapid diplomatic sprint, the through-line in every capital is clear: no imposed settlement, no territorial concessions, and no trust in Russian promises. Any future agreement must be grounded in enforceable security guarantees and a coherent Western strategy — without which Ukraine believes the risk of renewed aggression would remain unacceptably high.