Key Takeaways
- Leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Ukraine reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine’s defence and stressed Europe’s central role in any peace settlement.
- Recent Ukrainian battlefield gains—including liberated territories and innovative drone use—were welcomed, while Russian missile and drone strikes on civilians and NATO airspace were condemned.
- The upcoming G7 summit, Coalition of the Willing meeting, and NATO summit in Ankara will be used to coordinate further assistance, focusing on Ukraine’s prioritized needs such as air defence and long‑term military sustainability.
- Leaders called for an immediate ceasefire, respect for current front lines as the basis for negotiations, and legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine (including a Multinational Force‑Ukraine).
- Russian assets will remain frozen until Moscow ends its aggression and compensates Ukraine; European security interests must be protected, requiring EU and NATO consent for any relevant provisions.
- The meeting endorsed President Zelenskyy’s call for a negotiated end to the war and pledged continued support for direct Ukraine‑Russia dialogue with active US and European involvement.
Meeting Overview
On 7 June, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine convened to reiterate their steadfast backing for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s illegal invasion. The gathering underscored the shared commitment to pursue a just and lasting peace while highlighting Europe’s indispensable contribution to any eventual settlement. The leaders stressed that all actions must be undertaken in close coordination with Ukraine, broader European partners, and the United States.
Reaffirming European Support
The participants made clear that Europe bears an important responsibility in shaping the outcome of the conflict. They pledged to maintain robust political, financial, and military assistance to Kyiv, emphasizing that any peace agreement must be anchored in European solidarity. By aligning their efforts with Ukraine’s strategic priorities, the leaders aimed to ensure that the continent remains a reliable partner in both wartime resistance and post‑conflict reconstruction.
Battlefield Progress and Condemnation of Russian Aggression
Leaders welcomed notable Ukrainian successes on the front lines, including the liberation of occupied territories and the innovative deployment of drone technology that has enhanced Kyiv’s operational effectiveness. Simultaneously, they denounced Russia’s extensive missile and drone campaigns—particularly the repeated use of Oreshnik missiles—against Ukrainian cities, which have inflicted heavy civilian casualties. They also condemned hazardous Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace, expressing condolences to all victims of the violence.
Coordinating Future Support Through Upcoming Summits
The discussion turned to leveraging forthcoming international forums to synchronize aid. The upcoming G7 summit at Évian, the next meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, and the NATO summit in Ankara were identified as key opportunities to align further assistance with Ukraine’s prioritized needs. Specific focus areas include intensifying pressure on Russia’s war economy and expanding military and defence commitments at the NATO summit to bolster Ukraine’s resilience.
Enhancing Air Defence and Defence Industrial Cooperation
Recognizing the critical gap in air defence, the leaders underscored the urgent need to scale up production of interceptor missiles and to co‑develop advanced anti‑ballistic missile and deep‑strike capabilities. They also emphasized the importance of sustaining the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the long term, ensuring that Kyiv can maintain operational readiness and rebuild its defence infrastructure once hostilities cease.
Learning from Ukraine’s Expertise and Deepening Industrial Ties
The meeting highlighted the value of integrating Ukraine’s battlefield experience into NATO’s doctrinal and tactical frameworks. Leaders agreed to foster long‑term industrial cooperation with Ukrainian defence firms, aiming to strengthen Europe’s own defence industrial base while transferring hard‑won lessons from the conflict. Such collaboration is expected to yield mutual benefits, enhancing interoperability and innovation across the Alliance.
Linking Ukraine’s Security to Euro‑Atlantic Stability and Peace Conditions
Participants stressed that Ukraine’s security, prosperity, and sovereignty are inextricably tied to broader Euro‑Atlantic security. They outlined five conditions they deem essential for a just and lasting peace:
- An immediate and complete ceasefire, with a call on President Putin to halt hostilities.
- Using the current line of contact as the starting point for negotiations, affirming that international borders must not be altered by force and respecting Ukraine’s sovereign right to choose its security arrangements and alliances.
- Establishing robust, legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine once a ceasefire holds, building on the Berlin (December 2025) and Paris (January 2026) commitments, including the deployment of a Multinational Force‑Ukraine.
- Keeping Russian assets immobilized until Moscow ceases its war of aggression and provides full compensation for the damage inflicted.
- Safeguarding European security interests in any agreement, ensuring that EU‑related and NATO‑related elements receive the consent of the European Union and its Member States and NATO Allies respectively.
Endorsing Dialogue and Continued Solidarity
Leaders commended President Zelenskyy’s appeal for a diplomatic end to the war, as articulated in his letter to the Russian President dated 4 June 2026. They supported his proposal for direct Ukraine‑Russia talks, facilitated by active US and European participation, to achieve a ceasefire and lay the groundwork for further negotiations. The conference concluded with a reaffirmation that the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and their allies will continue to stand firmly beside Ukraine until a durable peace is secured.