The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced that European leaders have agreed to develop a peace plan for Ukraine, which will be presented to the United States. This is a crucial step for Washington to extend security guarantees that Ukraine considers essential for deterring Russian aggression.
During a summit in London, held just two days after Volodymyr Zelensky had a contentious meeting with US President Donald Trump, world leaders expressed strong solidarity with the Ukrainian president and pledged increased support for his country.
European leaders recognized the necessity of boosting defense spending to demonstrate to Mr. Trump that the continent is capable of self-defense. Given the financial pressures many nations are facing, the President of the European Commission proposed that the bloc might relax its debt regulations.
Mr. Starmer, who warmly greeted Mr. Zelensky at Downing Street yesterday, stated that Britain, Ukraine, France, and other nations would form a “coalition of the willing” to create a peace plan for presentation to Mr. Trump.
Leaders from across Europe, the Canadian Prime Minister, and the Ukrainian president participated in the meeting.
The British Prime Minister emphasized that “this is a once-in-a-generation moment for Europe’s security, and we all must step up.”
He added that achieving a favorable outcome for Ukraine is “vital to the security of every nation here and many others too.”
Among those present at the Lancaster House meeting were Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also took part in the meeting.
“We are at a crossroads in history today,” Mr. Starmer remarked.
He continued, “This is not a moment for more discussions. It is time to act, to step up and lead, and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace.”
The dispute between Mr. Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office heightened concerns regarding the potential US withdrawal of support for Ukraine and the possibility of a peace plan imposed by Russia, prompting Europe to ensure Ukraine’s participation in all negotiations.
To achieve this, various leaders indicated that increasing defense expenditures is essential, a move that may help align Mr. Trump’s support for US security guarantees in the event of peace.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated to reporters, “After prolonged underinvestment, it is now crucial to significantly increase defense investments for an extended period.” She further stated, “Member states require more fiscal space to enable a surge in defense spending,” emphasizing the need to transform “Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that leaders agreed on the necessity for Europe to assume greater responsibility and start taking on “more spending on its defense budgets within NATO.”
He noted that all leaders concurred on the importance of maintaining strong ties with the US.
Regarding the Ukrainian president sitting beside him, Mr. Starmer affirmed, “I hope you know that we are all with you and the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes. Everyone at this table stands by you.”
Acknowledging the limitations in weaponry and ammunition in Europe compared to the US, European leaders strive to persuade Mr. Trump of their self-defense capabilities, while also understanding that Russia will only honor a peace deal supported by the United States.
Discussions with the US have focused on Washington providing a potential backstop for a European peacekeeping role, which could include air support, intelligence, and surveillance, in addition to an unspecified, heightened threat if Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks further territorial advances.
However, gaining Mr. Trump’s agreement hinges on European nations increasing their defense spending and indicating readiness to participate in peacekeeping efforts—a challenge Mr. Starmer recognized as difficult to achieve consensus on.
Prior to his visit to Washington last week, Mr. Starmer announced an increase in defense spending, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mentioned that some European leaders had privately introduced new defense spending plans during the meeting, though he withheld details.
Read more: UK, Ukraine sign €2.7bn loan to enhance Kyiv’s defense capabilities. After Trump-Zelensky dispute, Europe must confront its security options.
Since returning to the White House in January, Mr. Trump has disrupted US policy regarding the three-year war, casting doubts on military and political support for Ukraine and Europe, while also facilitating a thaw in relations with Russia.
He surprised European leaders by contacting Mr. Putin without notice and sending a delegation to Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with Russia, excluding Ukraine and European partners from the conversation.
Mr. Trump inaccurately claimed that Ukraine initiated the war and on Friday, criticized Mr. Zelensky for lacking gratitude towards US assistance.
The altercation between Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Trump marked a week during which Europe seemed better positioned to persuade Mr. Trump to continue supporting Ukraine, following amicable visits to Washington by French President Emmanuel Macron and Mr. Starmer.
Mr. Zelensky later traveled to meet King Charles at the monarch’s private residence in eastern England.
Mr. Starmer remarked that watching the confrontation between Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Trump in the Oval Office was uncomfortable, but he was eager to move the conversation forward by offering to mediate between Europe and the United States.
In a further demonstration of support for the Ukrainian leader, Mr. Starmer conveyed that they agreed to ensure Ukraine’s presence in any peace discussions and to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
“Europe must carry the heavy load, but for peace on our continent to succeed, this effort requires strong backing from the US,” Mr. Starmer highlighted during a news conference.
Read more: UK, Ukraine sign €2.7bn loan to boost Kyiv’s defense capabilities. Following the Trump-Zelensky conflict, Europe must consider its security alternatives.
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) arrives at today’s summit in central London.
‘We urgently have to rearm Europe’ – von der Leyen
The European Commission President emphasized, “We urgently need to rearm Europe.”
Ms. Von der Leyen announced that she would propose a “comprehensive plan” at an EU summit on Thursday, stressing the necessity for a surge in defense and “massive escalation” in spending.
“It is of the utmost importance that we increase our expenditures … we must prepare for the worst,” she urged.
The leaders engaged in a “good and frank discussion,” addressing the need for security guarantees, according to the EU chief.
In her remarks to US President Donald Trump, she stated, “We are ready to work with you to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and prevent any invasion or forced alteration of borders.”
“It serves our collective interest to avert future conflicts,” she added.
Meanwhile, NATO’s Mark Rutte and Polish President Andrzej Duda advised the Ukrainian leader to find a way to restore rapport with the Trump administration.
US Republicans indicate Zelensky might have to resign.
However, demonstrating the ongoing tensions between the US and Ukraine, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz told CNN that the US seeks a Ukrainian leader prepared to secure a lasting peace with Russia, but it remains uncertain whether Mr. Zelensky is willing to do so.
“We require a leader capable of negotiating with us, ultimately engaging with the Russians, and ending this conflict,” National Security Advisor Mike Waltz conveyed to CNN.
“If it becomes evident that President Zelensky’s personal or political motivations diverge from achieving peace, we have a significant issue,” he added.
Other officials in Washington have suggested that Mr. Zelensky might have to step down to reach a peace agreement.
Marco Rubio emphasized that initiating dialogue among the parties is the first step toward securing peace.
Republican Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, remarked: “He either needs to regain his senses and negotiate graciously, or someone else must lead the country toward that end.”
“Ultimately, it’s up to the Ukrainians to resolve this internally, but … we require President Zelensky to take necessary actions,” he stated.
Senior Democrats have vehemently opposed this perspective since the public disagreement on Friday, accusing Mr. Trump of dangerously edging towards a comprehensive alignment with Russia.
“The White House has evolved into an extension of the Kremlin,” asserted Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat and one of Mr. Trump’s most vocal critics.
“It seems America is attempting to align itself with authoritarian regimes,” he told CNN.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended, however, that the White House maintains a realistic perspective on Putin’s Russia.
“No one is suggesting that Vladimir Putin will be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize this year,” he remarked on ABC.
Mr. Rubio did stress that initiating dialogue between conflicting parties is critical for achieving peace.
“A war cannot be concluded unless both parties are willing to engage in talks,” he concluded.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commended Mr. Trump’s “common sense” approach, claiming that European nations are extending the conflict by supporting Mr. Zelensky “with their bayonets in the form of peacekeeping units.”
