British Prime Minister Starmer, French President Macron, and German Chancellor Merz plan to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky on June 7 to discuss how to encourage Russia to participate in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

The meeting is currently tentatively scheduled for the evening of June 7 in London. Macron, Starmer, and Merz will hold talks first, then jointly meet with Zelensky, with the aim of continuing to support Ukraine and pressure Russia.

Insiders added that Zelensky’s plans remain subject to change, and the meeting arrangements may be adjusted.

Additionally, due to US President Trump shifting his focus to Iran and negotiations regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, US-led peace talks with Russia have stalled.

Czech Prime Minister Babiš told reporters on the 5th during the EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro: “Within the EU, someone must step up and take a leadership role. Trump is currently busy with the Strait of Hormuz issue, and Europe must take responsibility for ending this war.”

However, the push for a new round of European-led peace talks has raised concerns among some countries. According to insiders, at a recent EU ambassadors’ meeting, Baltic states indicated that the EU should proceed with caution. As for Putin himself, he has previously rejected the idea of Europe leading mediation efforts.

On June 4, Zelensky issued a rare and strongly worded open letter to Russian President Putin, proposing a direct meeting between the two leaders to push for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The letter also stated that Ukraine believes Europe, the United States, and other relevant parties should participate in the peace talks.

On June 5, Russian President Putin responded to the open letter from Ukrainian President Zelensky during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, calling the letter “rude and disrespectful.” Putin also stated that meeting with Zelensky now “makes no sense.”

London

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a history stretching back nearly two millennia, having been founded by the Romans as Londinium around 43 AD. It has since grown into a global hub for finance, culture, and politics, home to iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. Over centuries, it has survived the Great Fire of 1666, the Blitz of World War II, and evolved into a diverse, multicultural metropolis.

Élysée Palace

The Élysée Palace, located in Paris, is the official residence and workplace of the President of the French Republic. Originally built as a private mansion in 1718 for the Count of Évreux, it later housed notable figures such as Madame de Pompadour and Napoleon Bonaparte before becoming the presidential seat in 1873. Today, it serves as a symbol of French political power and hosts key state functions and diplomatic meetings.

Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Horm

London

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a historic city founded by the Romans around 43 AD as Londinium. It became a major political, cultural, and economic center, surviving events like the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz of World War II. Today, it is renowned for landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, blending ancient history with modern global influence.

Élysée Palace

The Élysée Palace, located in Paris, has served as the official residence of the President of the French Republic since 1873. Originally built as a private mansion for the Count of Évreux in the early 18th century, it later housed notable figures such as Madame de Pompadour and Napoleon. Today, it is a key symbol of French political power, hosting official meetings and state functions.

Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, serving as a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments. Historically, it has been a strategic maritime route for centuries, controlled by various empires including the Portuguese in the 16th century and later the British. Today, it remains geopolitically significant, with tensions often arising between Iran and other nations over navigation rights.

Montenegro

Montenegro is a small Balkan country known for its stunning Adriatic coastline, rugged mountains, and medieval towns. Its history includes periods of independence as a principality and kingdom, followed by union with Serbia and later Yugoslavia, before regaining independence in 2006. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, with highlights like the fortified city of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor.

St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is a major annual global business and economic event held in Russia since 1997. It serves as a platform for discussing key economic issues, fostering international cooperation, and signing significant investment agreements. Historically, it has grown from a regional conference into a prominent forum attracting world leaders, business executives, and experts.