European leaders, led by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, have agreed to work with Ukraine on a plan to end the war. Starmer confirmed that the UK, France, and possibly other allies will collaborate with Kyiv on a roadmap for peace, which will then be presented to the United States.
“I think we’ve taken a step in the right direction,” Starmer told Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC. “We must find a way to work together because, after three years of bloody conflict, the focus must now be on securing a lasting peace.”
“The United Kingdom, along with France and possibly one or two others, will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, and then we’ll discuss that plan with the United States,” he added.
London Summit Focuses on Ukraine’s Defense and Peace Efforts
The London summit has brought together representatives from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Türkiye, NATO, and the European Union. The key discussions center on:
- Continued military aid to Ukraine.
- Strengthening sanctions on Russia to curb further aggression.
- Developing a strategy for a long-term peace agreement to safeguard Ukraine against future threats from Moscow.
Tensions with Washington
The summit follows a tense Oval Office exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, where Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of rejecting a proposed ceasefire and failing to show gratitude for American assistance. Trump warned that Ukraine’s resistance to compromise could escalate the war into a global conflict.
Despite the heated exchange, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to diplomacy.
“Despite tough discussions, we remain strategic partners,” Zelenskyy posted on X after his meeting with Trump. “Honesty and directness are essential to understanding our shared goals.”
Concerns Over Trump’s Stance on Russia
Trump’s direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels, have alarmed Kyiv and European leaders. Many fear that Washington may concede too much to Moscow, undermining Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Last week, Trump claimed “significant progress” toward a peace deal in Ukraine, though specific details remain undisclosed. As Zelenskyy departed Washington, Trump stated on social media that Ukraine was not ready for peace as long as the U.S. was involved.
European Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine
In response to these developments, European leaders have rallied behind Ukraine, making strong declarations of support:
- Friedrich Merz, expected to be Germany’s next chancellor, wrote on X: “We stand with Ukraine in both good and testing times. We must never confuse the aggressor and the victim in this terrible war.”
- Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Trump of “reversing the roles of victim and aggressor,” warning that his approach could mark the beginning of a “new age of infamy”.
- French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated: “Russia is the aggressor in this war, and Ukrainians are the victims.”
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured Ukraine on X, stating: “Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has called on European Council President António Costa to begin peace negotiations with Russia. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has urged Zelenskyy to return to Washington and repair ties with Trump following their heated confrontation in the Oval Office.
As Kyiv faces mounting diplomatic pressure, the London summit is expected to reinforce Europe’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s defense while advocating for a united stance against Russian aggression. The outcome of these discussions will significantly influence the next phase of Western engagement in the war and the path toward a potential peace agreement.
