Zelenskyy: Europe must take part in ceasefire negotiations

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Europe must take part in any potential leaders' talks on a ceasefire because Russia's war against Ukraine affects the security of the entire continent.

Zelenskyy said that the first step towards a lasting peace should be a ceasefire.

"In my opinion, for a ceasefire to happen, it would be better to have a meeting at the level of leaders. Who should take part? Certainly Ukraine, Russia and definitely Europe. Ideally, Europe and the United States should be there. Why Europe? Because we are in Europe. That's the answer," the president said during a press conference in Tallinn with Estonian President Alar Karis.

He explained that European countries are also suffering from the consequences of the war, including drone attacks.

"This is our land, this is our continent, and we must be confident that tomorrow will be safe. That is why these countries should participate in negotiations on this crucial first step. Ukraine has the political will for this; we will see whether Russia does. So far, they have not demonstrated it," Zelenskyy stressed.

According to the German government, proposals by Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Ukraine regarding negotiations with Russia will first be discussed within the Group of Seven and then at the European Union summit.

The leaders of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France and Germany discussed the conditions necessary for achieving a just and lasting peace during their meeting in London on 7 June.