Intensive work continuing on Ukraine plan, European leaders say after Trump call

European leaders say they will continue working intensively on a US led proposal to bring an end to the Russia Ukraine war following a joint phone call with President Donald Trump. The call, which included UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, came at a moment they described as pivotal for Ukraine’s future, for its people and for stability across the Euro Atlantic region. Their joint statement framed the current phase of diplomacy as one requiring unity and urgency.

A shared sense of responsibility among European leaders

During their discussion, the three European leaders emphasised that the conflict has reached a point where coordinated action is essential. They reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine while pursuing diplomatic pathways that could bring the fighting to an end. The leaders stressed that securing peace is not only vital for Ukraine but for the wider region, whose long term security depends on preventing further escalation. Their united message reflected an effort to demonstrate cohesion at a time when international cooperation is being closely examined.

Trump acknowledges disagreements while stressing progress

Following the call, President Trump said that Ukraine had been discussed in strong terms and admitted that there were some disagreements between leaders on certain issues. He referred to them as little disputes about people, suggesting that differences remain over the role various individuals or countries may play in the next steps of negotiation. Even so, he described the conversation as constructive and indicated that the US intends to keep pushing the peace plan forward despite tensions around burden sharing and strategic approaches.

Tension follows Trump’s criticism of European allies

The call took place just one day after Trump publicly criticised European governments, labelling them weak and implying that the United States could scale back its support for Ukraine. His comments caused concern across European capitals, where leaders fear that reduced American involvement could undermine Ukraine’s defence and weaken Western leverage in talks with Russia. The joint phone call was seen as an effort to steady the diplomatic relationship and to signal that cooperation remains possible despite Trump’s sharp remarks.

Working to keep the dialogue on track

European officials say the next few days will involve intense behind the scenes negotiations aimed at refining the US plan and resolving areas of disagreement. While no specific details of the proposal were made public, discussions are believed to focus on ceasefire conditions, security guarantees for Ukraine and the future of contested territories. Diplomats acknowledge that the plan faces major obstacles, but they argue that sustained dialogue is the only realistic path toward ending the war. Their commitment to continue working with Washington signals a desire to keep the process moving, even when differences arise.

A delicate diplomatic balance for Europe

For European leaders, the challenge is to support Ukraine while also managing a complex relationship with an unpredictable American ally. Trump’s shifting statements create uncertainty, yet Europe remains reliant on the US for military, strategic and diplomatic weight. Starmer, Macron and Merz must navigate this dynamic carefully to protect both Ukraine’s interests and their own political credibility. Their public unity following the call is therefore as much a diplomatic signal as it is a practical commitment.

Hope for progress despite unresolved disputes

Although the path ahead is unclear, leaders from both sides of the Atlantic appear determined to keep pursuing a solution. The war has entered a long and gruelling stage, and the human cost continues to grow. European leaders insist that diplomacy cannot pause, even when talks become difficult or personalities clash. Their message following the call is one of cautious optimism: progress is possible, but only through sustained cooperation and clear communication among allies.