Ukraine war live: Zelenskyy to meet Starmer, Macron and Merz in London over peace push | Ukraine

The Netherlands will allocate an additional 700 million euros ($815 million) to provide military support to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2026. The Dutch government said in comments reported by Reuters.

The government had previously promised 3.5 billion euros in support for next year, but most of this money has already been spent this year.

European Council President António Costa on Monday rejected any attempt by the United States to interfere in European politics. After Washington published a new security strategy that harshly criticized the continent’s policies, AFP reported.

“What we cannot accept is the threat of interference in European politics.” Costa said at a conference in Brussels.

“The US cannot replace European citizens in deciding which parties are good and they are bad,” Costa said.

“The United States cannot replace Europe in terms of its vision of freedom of expression,” he added.

Costa saidThe fact that Russia welcomes Washington’s new perspective as “substantially consistent” with its own vision. It was a worrying sign.

Late last week, the United States’ new national security strategy caused quite a stir. with its allegations that Europe will face “civilization erasure” in the next two decades as a result of migration and EU integration and Suggestions in a policy document that the US should “develop resistance” It is moving towards “Europe’s current orbit” within the continent.

In the latest development that will not fully address Europe’s concerns, The Kremlin praised the US strategy, calling it an encouraging policy change largely in line with Russian thinking.

“The adjustments we’re seeing fit our vision in many ways.” Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry PeskovHe said on Sunday. He welcomed signals that the Trump administration was “in favor of dialogue and good relations.” But he warned that the so-called US “deep state” could try to sabotage Trump’s vision.

Seven EU countries support compensation loan to Ukraine as ‘politically realistic solution’

Jennifer Rankin

in Brussels

Leaders of seven EU countries have said a compensation loan to Ukraine based on Russia’s frozen assets is “the most politically realistic solution” to meet Kiev’s urgent financing needs.

prime ministers Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland And Swedish, He said they strongly support the European Commission’s proposal for a compensation loan financed by cash balances from dormant Russian assets in the EU.

There was a statement of support In a letter to European Council president António Costa and commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Ahead of next week’s EU summit, Ukraine’s financing needs will be at the top of the agenda.

Compensation loan “is the most financially feasible and politically realistic solution” [and] It is stated in the letter that the basic principle of Ukraine’s right to compensation for the damages caused by the attack is touched upon.

Last week the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, He flew to Brussels to persuade the Belgian prime minister, who also supported the idea. Bart De Wever, tOr drop your opposition. A dramatic change in positions was not expected at the dinner meeting attended by von der Leyen. Most frozen assets in the EU are housed in Belgium, arguing the plan is too risky and will complicate efforts to end the war.

The leaders who signed the letter disagree with the analysis that the loan would disrupt peace efforts: They argue that a decision on the reparations loan at next week’s summit would put Ukraine “in a stronger position to defend itself and in a better position to negotiate a just and lasting peace.”

Morning opening: London talks

Yakup Krupa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with Keir Starmer from the UK, Emmanuel Macron from France and Friedrich Merz from Germany to discuss the war in Ukraine in London.

The meeting comes next No significant progress was made during three days of talks between US and Ukrainian representatives in Florida Amid intense pressure from Washington to end the war, however, major territorial concessions were made from Kiev.

Donald Trump once again tried to put pressure on Zelenskyy, publicly suggesting that the Ukrainian president was “not ready” to sign a peace plan prepared by the United States. “I’m a little disappointed that President Zelenskyy hasn’t read the proposal yet, as he did a few hours ago. His people like it, but he doesn’t,” the US president told reporters on Sunday night. (Somewhat ignoring the public rejection of the plan by Russia.)

Leaders are expected to arrive early for lunch and we will talk behind closed doors to plan next steps.

I will describe the meeting here, provide you with the latest photos and lines About what’s going on in Downing Street.

Zelenskyy is expected to visit later Brussels And Rome. Italian prime minister on Sunday Giorgia Meloni His office said he spoke to Zelenskyy by phone and he reaffirmed Italy’s solidarity following a new wave of “indiscriminate” Russian attacks on civilian targets.

Separately, I will also be following the EU’s reactions to Elon Musk and comments from senior US officials about the bloc throughout the weekend.. The billionaire was particularly active following the €120 million fine imposed on social media platform X and had repeatedly called for the dissolution of the EU.

And finally, EU ministers are meeting in Brussels to sign plans for immigration and asylum laws.

I will bring you all the important updates throughout the day.

His Monday, December 8, 2025, his Yakup Krupa here and this Europe Live.

Good morning.