President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine held a series of discussions with European and British leaders during recent international engagements, focusing on the fate of Ukrainian agricultural exports, the path to European Union membership, and the timing of peace talks. The conversations took place in Japan and surrounding events, highlighting Ukraine’s active pursuit of aligned trade rules and strategic political backing from Western partners.
During conversations with Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, Zelensky stressed that after June 5, extending restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products by some EU member states would be unacceptable. He emphasized that several European nations are scrutinizing how export limits affect Ukrainian farmers, food security, and regional markets. The Ukrainian leader called for a practical, transparent approach that protects farmers while preserving the continuity of trade relations across Europe. The remarks reflect a broader effort to harmonize EU market access with Ukraine’s postwar recovery needs and long-term integration goals.
Alongside these concerns, Zelensky and Michel reviewed the European Commission’s guidance for Ukraine that is aimed at advancing the country’s European Union accession process. They also discussed the practical steps involved in initiating negotiations on Ukraine’s peace formula, a framework designed to address security, sovereignty, and regional stability. The dialogue underscored Kyiv’s commitment to reforms, rule of law, and economic modernization aligned with EU standards, while signaling a receptive stance toward constructive engagement with European partners on security guarantees and regional resilience.
Earlier in the summit cycle, Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G7 gathering in Hiroshima. The Ukrainian leader thanked Sunak for his leadership within Britain’s coalition of international partners and for coordinating efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense, economic stability, and diplomatic support. The two leaders also reviewed the prospects for strengthening bilateral ties, including trade, security coordination, and mutual understanding on Europe’s strategic landscape as Ukraine prepares for broader participation in international forums and negotiations ahead of future summits.