The new geopolitical stage: London – Florida – Moscow
Ukraine has entered a new, more intense cycle of diplomatic contacts, following the revelation of the U.S. plan aimed at mapping a roadmap for peace with Russia.
On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron travels to London for a high-stakes four-way summit with:
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Keir Starmer
- Friedrich Merz
to discuss both the front-line situation and the behind-the-scenes negotiations mediated by the U.S.
Macron wrote on X:
“Ukraine can count on our unwavering support. There can be no lasting peace without security guarantees.”
In Florida: The third US–Ukraine round
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Ukrainian and American officials continue in Miami with the third round of technical talks on the U.S. plan.
The American delegation includes:
- Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff,
- and Jared Kushner, the person Trump trusts most for secret diplomatic openings.
From the Ukrainian side:
- Rustem Umerov,
- and General Andriy Khatov.
The State Department noted progress, but with a critical caveat:
“Any real progress will depend on Russia’s willingness to commit seriously to lasting peace.”
Kushner–Witkoff visit to Moscow: The quiet but crucial part
The background gets more complex as the plan was also presented to Putin in private talks in Moscow.
Kremlin diplomatic advisor Yuri Ushakov described:
“A cordial atmosphere” “A genuinely friendly discussion” and “mutual understanding.”
Regarding Kushner, he added:
“He proved very useful. A new face who understood Russia’s positions.”
This is significant: it shows Moscow is not hostile to the plan but seeks more guarantees—perhaps concessions.
Where Kyiv stands: Buying time, protecting survival
Kyiv is trying to reshape the U.S. plan into something less risky for itself. The initial version was considered:
- overly favorable to Russia,
- insufficient in terms of deterrence,
- full of “grey areas” along borders and the Donbas future.
Umerov, according to the U.S., reiterated:
“Our priority is a deal that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.”
This indicates Ukraine will not accept frozen borders or a Korean-style solution.
Europe enters the game – and Britain returns
The Macron–Zelensky–Starmer–Merz meeting has major symbolism:
- Brings Britain back to the center of action,
- Gives Berlin the role of “responsible power,”
- Allows Paris to appear as the European architect of peace,
- Sends Putin a message that Europe reads the fatigue but does not give up.
Behind closed doors, London diplomatic circles hint that Starmer and Merz aim to:
- align closely with the U.S.,
- increase pressure on Kyiv for negotiations,
- send a unified European signal to Moscow.
Insider politics: The real question no one asks publicly
Diplomatic circles in London and Brussels whisper:
👉 Who is really pushing for a deal? Kyiv or the West?
Some European ministers privately admit:
- lack of ammunition,
- exhausted finances,
- public fatigue,
- fear of escalation.
Ukraine, on the other hand, fears a bad peace deal could mean strategic defeat that cannot be undone.
Assessment: Three parallel realities
The situation unfolds on three levels:
1. Washington designs the conflict’s final map.
To satisfy Congress and give Trump announcement opportunities.
2. Europe tries to stay united and relevant.
Avoid being a sideline player in the most critical post-WWII war.
3. Ukraine just tries to survive politically and militarily.
With Russian advances ongoing, Kyiv is the most burned side.
The war’s most dangerous phase
While things seem to move toward a diplomatic window,
no one knows if this window leads to peace or new escalation.
What is clear:
- The U.S. wants something by spring.
- Russia evaluates, gains ground, and waits.
- Europe tries to show it has a role.
- Ukraine fears being handed a solution it cannot accept.
London will be the first test.Moscow, however, will decide the drama’s ending.
Source: pagenews.gr