European leaders step up quest for peace deal

SIR Keir Starmer and European allies have spoken to United States President Donald Trump about Ukraine as "intensive work" continued on a peace plan.

- DAVID HUGHES Press Association

The Prime Minister, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke to Mr Trump, as the US relationship with Europe faces severe strain. Downing Street said all the leaders agreed it was a "critical moment" for the future of Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The leaders discussed the latest on the ongoing US-led peace talks, welcoming their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and to see an end to the killing.

"Intensive work on the peace plan is continuing and will continue in the coming days. They agreed that this was a critical moment - for Ukraine, its people, and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region."