So, here's the main takes of today's meeting, IMO (italic = personal remarks):
- a clear reminder that there must be no talks on Ukraine without Ukraine.
- Participants have agreed that the UK, France and others will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting which will then be discussed further with the US, once the plan has been greenlit by Ukraine.
Though the official communiqué doesn't mention it, it would then be presented separately to Russia.
Diplomatically, this is the right way of doing things. First, we get Ukraine to agree to a baseline proposal, then the Americans — without direct contact between them and Ukraine — and then Russia.
- They also discussed further rapid steps to enhance support for Ukraine in pursuit of 'peace through strength'. They will step up military support, ensuring Ukraine has the support it needs to train its armed forces and accelerating support in areas of greatest need.
- To help bring President Putin to the table, they will put further pressure on Russia by increasing sanctions, including on Russia's energy revenues, while tightening enforcement of existing measures.
The opposition on using Russian frozen assets is clearly dissolving. This is now clearly on the table.
- They agreed that Ukraine must have robust security arrangements in place at the time of any future peace deal, so that Russia does not invade again. They will thus accelerate plans to build up Ukraine's own armed forces and border defences after any deal, and ensure that Ukraine can draw on munitions, finance and equipment to defend itself.
- In addition, many of the participating States expressed readiness to contribute to Ukraine's security, including through a force consisting of European and other partners.
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Zelensky applauded Sunday's summit. "Europe's unity is at an exceptionally high level, one that has not been seen in a long time," he wrote on X. "We feel strong support for Ukraine, for our people – both soldiers and civilians, and our independence.".
And, in a separate statement, Zelensky said a potential peace deal should start with a prisoner exchange, "and the return of children." This, he said, would "demonstrate Russia's true intention for peace."
This is quite an interesting opening on his part.
A good diplomatic deal needs to progressively rebuilding good faith. And it starts with what is usually considered to be the least contentious topics. From there, build an agreement by slowly negotiating the more contentious ones.
It is also revealing that Zelensky really wants to end the war, contrary to what Trump and Vance have said. He clearly has played his first set of cards on the table. Now it's up to Russia to make its first move on that specific topic.
