Ukraine: The night when Europe tried to draw up a new strategy

Response London

Since early Sunday afternoon, the eyes of the international community were on .

In the heart of the British capital, behind the black doors of Downing Street, one of the most important diplomatic meetings of recent months about the war in .

Dozens of television crews from all over the world had flooded the area as early as 3 in the afternoon. Journalists, analysts and diplomatic correspondents awaited the arrivals of the leaders expected to shape the European response to a war now entering its fifth year.

A setting full of symbolism

Shortly after 4pm, British government crews carefully placed a stand with the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine on the landing of Number 10 Downing Street. A few minutes later, the British flag was raised next to her. Two more flags followed, of France and Germany.

The image was powerful and absolutely calculated. London wanted to send a clear message: support for Kiev remains unwavering, despite international realignments and new geopolitical crises distracting the West.

Hundreds of supporters of Ukraine had already gathered outside the railings of the prime minister’s residence. Ukrainian flags fluttered in the air, while pro-Kiev chants and slogans created a particularly charged atmosphere in central London.

The arrival of Zelensky and the meeting of the four leaders

Shortly after 7:00 p.m., the Ukrainian president walked through the gates of Downing Street to meet British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The three European powers of the so-called E3 group are today the main pillar of political, economic and military support for Ukraine on the European continent.

The meeting took place at a particularly sensitive time.

With Washington turning much of its attention to the Middle East and escalating tensions with Iran, European capitals are seeking to demonstrate that they can shoulder a greater share of responsibility for Ukraine’s security and Europe’s future security architecture.

Kiev’s main demand: more air defense

According to Ukrainian diplomatic sources, the main topic of the talks was the strengthening of Ukrainian air defenses.

The same sources tell B that despite recent Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory, Moscow still has significant stockpiles of ballistic missiles.

“In recent weeks we have seen devastating attacks against Kyiv, Odessa and other cities. “Finding and supplying air defense missiles is now an absolute priority for Ukraine,” emphasizes a Ukrainian analyst.

The problem is further compounded by the fact that much of the specific systems and munitions to date have come from the United States. Europe is now called upon to fill a significant part of this gap.

New confidence after the Ukrainian strikes in Russia

The talks come at a time when Ukraine appears more militarily optimistic. In recent months, Kiev has stepped up attacks on strategic targets inside Russia, hitting ammunition depots, military installations and critical supply infrastructure.

A particular sensation was caused by the recent attacks in the region of St. Petersburg and Krostand, where, according to Ukrainian estimates, significant stocks of ammunition intended for use on the Ukrainian front were destroyed.

However, as Ukrainian analysts point out, the picture in the field remains complex. Despite successes in some areas, the situation in the Donetsk region and especially around Konstantinivka remains extremely difficult.

The new Ukrainian strategy appears to be increasingly focused on wearing down the Russian war machine through targeted strikes on supply lines, ammunition depots and the energy infrastructure that funds the Russian war effort.

“We don’t want a deal – we want real peace”

Of particular interest are the positions on the possibility of peace negotiations. Despite the discussions going on internationally about possible compromises regarding Donbass or Crimea, the Ukrainian side appears unmoved. “The Ukrainians don’t just want a deal. They want peace,” diplomatic sources emphasize.

According to the same analysis, a temporary agreement without substantial security guarantees could allow Russia to regroup its forces and come back with new military operations in the future.

For Kiev, peace is directly linked to securing its sovereignty and preventing future attacks, not just a temporary cessation of hostilities.

The new Russian attacks and Chernobyl

The discussions in London took place in the shadow of new Russian attacks.

The Ukrainian government has claimed that a Russian drone struck a nuclear waste storage facility near Chernobyl, with Zelensky calling the incident a “deliberate attack on critical nuclear infrastructure”.

At the same time, new bombings in Zaporizhia and other parts of the country caused civilian casualties, a reminder that the war remains relentless despite diplomatic initiatives.

The next day

Although the other leaders later left Downing Street, Volodymyr Zelensky remained for further contacts and consultations.

Yesterday’s meeting is seen by diplomatic circles as an attempt to redefine European strategy in a war that has changed the image of the continent.

Today the Ukrainian president is also expected to meet with King Charles III, in a highly symbolic move that is expected to underline once again the firm British support for Kiev.

The big question

The real significance of the meeting is not only what will be given to Ukraine in the coming weeks.

The crucial question is whether Europe can transform itself from an economic giant and political supporter into a real geopolitical and military power pole.

If the four leaders manage to create a permanent coordination mechanism for Ukraine, many analysts believe that the London meeting could be recorded as one of the first steps towards a more autonomous European defense and security policy after the Cold War climate of recent years.