Britain will host talks over how to force Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer will meet Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, and Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, the leaders of France and Germany, to discuss how to put a greater squeeze on Russia.
The summit comes after the Ukrainian president wrote an open letter challenging the Russian president to a face-to-face meeting to agree a truce in the war that is now in its fifth year.
Before the talks in London on Sunday, Mr Zelensky sanctioned long-range drone strikes on at least five Russian cargo ships.
Kyiv and its closest European allies have become encouraged by a recent string of successes on the battlefield and deep inside Russia from Ukraine’s armed forces.
They believe Putin is finally under enough pressure for him to negotiate a ceasefire on an equal footing with Mr Zelensky.
An Elysée Palace source said: “This meeting will provide an opportunity to continue their close coordination on their shared agenda of maintaining support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia’s war effort, at a time when Russia – facing militarily, economic and strategic setbacks – continues unsuccessfully to persist on the battlefield in a deadly war.”
But in a setback for their efforts, Putin on Friday declared there was no reason for him to come to the negotiating table.
“This letter contains some rather rude remarks. Was it a way to create the conditions for a face-to-face meeting or a way not to set up a face-to-face meeting? I think it was the second,” he said, speaking at his annual economic forum in St Petersburg.
Asked whether he would meet the Ukrainian leader, he replied: “I don’t see any point for now.”
In his nightly address on Friday, Mr Zelensky responded: “Sadly, the Russian side is choosing war again. Everyone heard today’s response. A weak response. He [Putin] just doesn’t want to end the war. I think this response disappointed many in the world.
“He doesn’t want to change anything or admit that the only people who like his war are him and those who profit from it. They were all smiles today. It means Russia should have less money and there should be more pressure on Russia. I thank everyone who helps us. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine and wants real peace.”
The Telegraph has previously reported that the E3 group of Britain, France and Germany was mulling plans to take over peace-negotiation efforts from Donald Trump.