The United Kingdom is set to host negotiations labeled as ‘crucial’ regarding Russia – DW – 05/12/2025

The United Kingdom is set to host European ministers on Monday for talks on the war in Ukraine.

London’s Foreign Office said that the “critical talks” would focus on “repelling Russian aggression and bolstering European security and securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”

The talks come two days after European leaders threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with sanctions if he did not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Representative from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the EU will join British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London. This is the sixth meeting of the so-called “Weimar+” group which was set up in February in response to Washington’s policy shift under the new term of President Donald Trump. 

Lammy is likely to announce sanctions targetting those backing the Russian invasion, his ministry said.

The UK’s foreign secretary will be joined by his German, Spanish and Polish counterparts. France will be represented by its minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad. The EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas will also be in attendance.

Ahead of the meeting, Lammy said the leaders were facing a “once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent.”

I have brought our friends and partners to London to make clear that we must stand together, allied in our protection of sovereignty, of peace and of Ukraine,” he added.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has proposed restarting direct talks with Ukraine. He said that the negotiations could take place in Turkey as early as next week and that he would talk to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenged Putinsaying: “I’ll be waiting for Putin in Turkey on Thursday.” The Ukrainian president said that a ceaseefire would “provide the necessary basis for diplomacy.”

On May 10th European leaders gave Russia an ultimatum to agree to a 30-day no-condition ceasefire or face massive sanctions.