On 7–8 June, a working visit to the United Kingdom was undertaken by a Ukrainian delegation led by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

During the visit, the President of Ukraine held an E3+Ukraine meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and an audience with His Majesty King Charles III.

During the meeting with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany and France, the parties discussed the implementation of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war and achieving a just peace. The participants agreed on a common position regarding the need to intensify diplomatic engagement and ensure Europe’s direct participation in the negotiation process.

The President of Ukraine briefed his partners on the situation on the battlefield, Russia’s large-scale missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and communities, as well as Ukraine’s long-range and medium-range strikes against enemy military facilities. The leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany condemned the Russian attacks, including the use of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, and expressed their condolences over the loss of Ukrainian lives.

Ukraine’s positions on the battlefield have strengthened, a fact also confirmed by partner intelligence assessments. Russia continues to sustain significant losses: for five consecutive months, the aggressor state has suffered more than 30,000 killed and wounded personnel each month. The leaders discussed ways to increase support for Ukrainian service personnel.

Particular attention was paid to Ukraine’s current requirements for protecting critical infrastructure, especially the energy sector. President Zelenskyy stressed that anti-ballistic missile capabilities remain the primary priority, underscoring the need for additional contributions to the PURL programme and for exploring further avenues with partners to strengthen the protection of Ukraine’s skies.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of ensuring the rapid disbursement of funds from the European support package. Part of these resources will be directed towards protecting the energy sector and helping Ukraine prepare for the winter period.

Following the meeting, the leaders endorsed a Joint Statement reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine and outlining the key prerequisites for achieving a just and lasting peace. The document sets out five fundamental principles for a future settlement: an immediate ceasefire; recognition of the current line of contact as the starting point for negotiations, without prejudice to internationally recognised borders; legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine, including the deployment of multinational forces; the continued freezing of Russian assets until full compensation for damages is provided; and due consideration of the security interests of the EU and NATO.

The leaders also discussed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war and achieving peace. A common position was reached on the need to reinvigorate diplomatic engagement following the pause that had emerged in negotiations. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Europe must be represented at the negotiating table. The parties discussed possible formats for European participation and the role that the United Kingdom, France and Germany could play.

During the talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the parties discussed practical mechanisms for implementing the Joint Statement of the E3–Ukraine leaders.

The President highlighted the United Kingdom’s defence support, stressing the need to expand drone production and strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also briefed his counterpart on cooperation with partners under the special Drone Deal format, which offers promising prospects.

The discussions also focused in detail on the protection and support of Ukraine’s energy sector and preparations for winter. The President informed the Prime Minister of Ukraine’s current needs in strengthening its energy resilience.

Particular attention was paid to increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the United Kingdom for its new package of sanctions targeting cryptocurrency and other financial networks used by Russia to circumvent existing restrictions.

The leaders also discussed preparations for the upcoming G7 and NATO summits, as well as future meetings of the Coalition of the Willing.

During his audience with King Charles III, the President of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to His Majesty and to the entire United Kingdom for their steadfast support for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the special role played by the Royal Family in mobilising British society in support of the Ukrainian people. The President emphasised that the United Kingdom remains one of Ukraine’s key and most reliable allies, whose determination and leadership in providing defence, financial and humanitarian assistance continue to help Ukraine withstand aggression and defend its sovereignty.