The president praised his guests at this week’s meeting, a change in tone that follows big concessions from Europe and careful observations of the way he operates.

Zelensky told journalists on Wednesday that Ukraine is waiting for “security guarantees architecture” to be established within seven to 10 days before setting a date for talks with the Kremlin.

European shares are expected to close the year a touch higher than where they are currently trading, a Reuters poll found, as support from looser fiscal and monetary policy will be kept in check by un...