Allies discuss push for peace in Ukraine

Europe-Canada talks come amid disputed claim of drone assault on Putin's residence.

- By Inia Novikov AND KATIE MARIE DAVIES

KLAUDIA RADECKA NurPhoto

UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, said he plans to meet with officials from about 30 countries.

Leaders from Europe and Canada held talks Tuesday on U.S.-led peace efforts to end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine, as Moscow and Kyiv sparred over Russian claims, denied by Ukraine, of amass drone attack on a lakeside residence used by President Vladimir Putin.

The virtual meeting included European leaders as well as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, heads of European institutions and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

“Peace is on the horizon,” Tusk told a Polish Cabinet meeting. But he added, “It is still far from a 100% certainty.”

It was the first meeting of European leaders since President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Florida resort on Sunday. Trump insisted that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace settlement, although he acknowledged that outstanding obstacles could prevent a deal.