British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that the UK, France, and Ukraine are collaborating on a ceasefire proposal intended for the United States, as he prepared to host a summit with European leaders to discuss efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This summit follows a heated exchange at the White House, where US President Donald Trump publicly reprimanded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for perceived ingratitude towards American support amid Russia’s invasion.
Starmer’s focus is on fostering peace talks instead of escalating tensions. He emphasised the need to reconnect with Trump and Zelenskyy, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, after the recent breakdown in negotiations. He revealed that discussions aim to establish a combined effort, potentially involving military support from Europe as part of the ceasefire plan.
The significance of Sunday’s meeting cannot be overstated, considering its potential to bolster support for Ukraine and strengthen European defence strategies. Talks might include the creation of a European military force to assist with peacekeeping in Ukraine—termed a “coalition of the willing” by Starmer. He expressed confidence in Trump’s intentions for lasting peace, whilst remaining sceptical of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Starmer also highlighted the necessity for a security guarantee from the US to ensure any peace deal is durable, addressing concerns about temporary ceasefires that might leave Ukraine vulnerable to renewed aggression from Russia. He reiterated the commitment of the UK to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.
The backdrop of ongoing tensions was exacerbated by Trump’s recent remarks, which raised alarm in Europe regarding his commitment to longstanding alliances. In the wake of the Trump-Zelenskyy incident, European leaders rallied around Zelenskyy, reinforcing their support for Ukraine during these precarious times.
Furthermore, European nations are contemplating a significant increase in military expenditure, with Starmer proposing an escalation to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, indicating a broader European ambition for enhanced self-reliance in defence. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala underscored this call for increased military funding, proposing a target of 3% of GDP.
Overall, the London summit represents a critical juncture for European unity and strategy in response to the war in Ukraine, signalling a readiness to take decisive action amidst a fluctuating geopolitical landscape.