Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is shifting his diplomatic focus to European allies after three days of high-level talks with American officials in Miami concluded without a clear breakthrough. The discussions, which ended on Saturday, involved US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelenskyy described the call as "very substantive and constructive" on his Telegram channel, stating that both sides agreed on future steps and a format for continued dialogue. "Ukraine is committed to continuing to work honestly with the American side to bring about real peace," he affirmed.
London Summit: A Pivot to European Support
With the US talks yielding no immediate resolution, President Zelenskyy will now travel to London for a critical in-person meeting on Monday. He is set to confer with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German leader Friedrich Merz. This gathering follows a virtual meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing" approximately two weeks ago, where plans for a potential European peacekeeping force in Ukraine were discussed, contingent on a ceasefire. President Macron stated the leaders would "take stock" of ongoing peace negotiations and condemned Russia's recent military escalation.
Escalating Conflict and Infrastructure Attacks
The diplomatic manoeuvres unfold against a backdrop of intensified hostilities. Over Friday night, Russia launched a barrage of more than 700 drones and missiles at Ukrainian territory. The strikes deliberately targeted critical national infrastructure, including energy facilities and railways, causing heating and water outages for thousands of households. President Zelenskyy accused Russia of aiming "to inflict suffering on millions of Ukrainians." Macron echoed this condemnation, criticising Moscow's "escalatory path" and emphasising the need for continued pressure and security guarantees for Ukraine to achieve a durable peace.
Other Key Developments in the War
Several other significant events marked the 1,383rd day of the conflict. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the protective shield over the Chornobyl nuclear reactor, damaged by a drone strike in February, can no longer effectively block radiation and requires major repair. This structure, a €1.5bn project completed in 2019, was critically degraded by the impact.
In a move highlighting divisions within Europe, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced he is sending a business delegation to Russia to prepare for a post-war economic landscape. Orbán, who maintains close ties with the Kremlin, suggested he was in discussion with both Washington and Moscow. Hungarian media reported that the country's MOL energy firm is considering acquiring Russian-owned assets in Europe, flouting broader EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian resources.
Meanwhile, a maritime incident has caused diplomatic friction. Bulgaria has denounced the arrival in its waters of the crippled tanker Kairos, which was towed there by a Turkish vessel just over a week after being hit in a Ukrainian drone attack. The tanker, part of a "shadow fleet" illicitly transporting Russian oil, was attacked alongside another vessel in the Black Sea in late November. Ukraine has confirmed it targeted ships covertly carrying Russian oil.
