European Leaders Support Ukraine Battle Lines as Basis for Ceasefire Talks Amid Trump-Putin Summit Delays

European and Ukrainian leaders support the proposal to use the current front line in Ukraine as the starting point for peace negotiations, emphasizing that this does not imply recognition of any border changes by force. President Donald Trump has endorsed this compromise, urging both sides to cease hostilities and begin talks, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to accept it. Preparations for a summit between Trump and Putin in Budapest, intended to push for peace, have encountered delays, with key meetings between US and Russian officials postponed. European leaders and Ukraine accuse Russia of prolonging the war and stress the importance of increasing economic pressure on Moscow, including utilizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The coalition supporting Ukraine remains united in its commitment to a just and lasting peace, insisting that international borders must not be changed by force, and Ukraine has been described as the party genuinely interested in peace. UK officials have also indicated readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached.