Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a “real, lasting peace” in Ukraine, not merely a “pause in the killings,” following a high-level meeting with U.S. and European officials held in the United Kingdom.

Zelenskyy described the meeting as “constructive,” noting that it reaffirmed the shared commitment of Ukraine’s allies to achieving a peace agreement that respects both Ukrainian sovereignty and European security interests.

“We don’t need a pause in the killings we need a real and lasting peace,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on Sunday. “We support the joint statement issued by our European partners, which prioritizes justice and long-term stability.”

The talks come amid reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to frame a potential ceasefire deal as a diplomatic breakthrough one that Zelenskyy suggests comes with hidden conditions.

“Putin is trying to sell a ceasefire for a price a pause that would allow him to regroup and rearm,” Zelenskyy warned. “Ukraine cannot afford such illusions.”

European leaders emphasized that any agreement must not compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity or future security. U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack reiterated Washington’s position that any peace framework must be led by Kyiv and backed by its allies.

The UK hosted summit is the latest in a series of international efforts to shift the trajectory of the war, which has entered a prolonged and deadly stalemate, particularly along the eastern front.

Conclusion:

Zelenskyy’s remarks underscore growing concerns that short-term ceasefires may only prolong the conflict. As international pressure builds for a resolution, Kyiv is making clear that it will not accept peace at the cost of sovereignty or justice.