Macron discussed Ukraine by phone with Erdogan, Scholz, Starmer and Orban

French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban discussed the conflict in Ukraine by phone on February 23.

"They started by discussing the third anniversary of the Ukrainian conflict. <...> The Prime Minister [Keir Starmer] reiterated the UK's continued commitment to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. <...> The leaders agreed to keep in close contact," according to a British government press release issued on the day.

It is noted that during the conversation Starmer stressed the importance of Ukraine "being at the center of any negotiations to end the conflict."

Other leaders also expressed their proposals for further actions and ways to resolve the situation.

"Turkey continues its efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Turkey, as the only country that has repeatedly brought the parties to the negotiating table, can contribute to the peace talks, including as a host," the press office of Erdogan's office said on social network X.

The path of disengagement: EU enlargement slowed by lack of consensus

The Western Balkan countries have the best chances

On the same day, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent rejected NATO's involvement in a possible troop deployment to Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal reported on February 23 that Britain and France are developing a plan to deploy up to 30,000 European peacekeepers in Ukraine. At the same time, it is noted that the implementation depends on whether Trump can be persuaded to accept a limited role for the US soldiers, who would support the EU if the conflict escalates.