U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not reviewing the latest version of a U.S.-brokered peace plan ahead of their discussions in London. Zelensky is scheduled to meet with British Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump indicated that while Russia seems open to the proposal, he questioned Zelensky's acceptance, noting that his constituents support it despite his lack of engagement with the document.

Rustem Umerov, Zelensky’s national security adviser, confirmed that Zelensky would be briefed on the peace discussions and documents. He emphasized the need for a dignified resolution to the ongoing conflict, although he did not clarify why Zelensky had not been informed earlier.

The backdrop of these discussions includes recent Russian missile and drone strikes in Ukraine, which have resulted in casualties and significant infrastructure damage. The U.S. peace plan has undergone several revisions since its introduction, facing criticism for being perceived as favoring Russian interests. Zelensky described prior talks with U.S. representatives as "constructive but not easy," with future meetings focusing on security and defense support.

In Washington, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to meet with U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio to reaffirm commitments to a peace agreement in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested that his father might withdraw from the peace negotiations if no progress is made.

Starmer has previously called for a coalition of nations to consider deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, a proposal that Russia has consistently opposed. British officials have stressed that any peace agreement must allow Ukraine to determine its own future and not reward Russian aggression.

Pat McFadden, the UK’s work and pensions secretary, highlighted the importance of ensuring that Ukraine retains the ability to make independent choices post-conflict. He warned against allowing Russia to dictate the terms of peace, emphasizing the need for security guarantees for Ukraine.

Zarah Sultana, a former Labour MP, criticized the current leadership for potentially prolonging the conflict, arguing that the focus should be on negotiations rather than military escalation. She pointed out that the ongoing war should not come at the expense of workers' rights in Ukraine, referencing legislation that undermines labor protections.

As discussions continue, the potential for a peaceful resolution remains contingent on Russia's willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. Concurrently, British military exercises near NATO's border with Russia reflect ongoing tensions in the region. Zelensky has also raised concerns about the role of European nations in the negotiations, emphasizing the need for discussions regarding Ukraine's potential membership in the European Union as part of security guarantees. He reiterated that Ukraine deserves a dignified peace, contingent on Russia's actions moving forward.