LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on European leaders to support Ukraine and strengthen their borders as he laid out a plan to address Russia’s ongoing conflict. He emphasized that every nation should contribute in its own way, bearing a shared responsibility for peace and security.
Starmer’s appeal came soon after concerns arose regarding U.S. support for Ukraine, following President Donald Trump’s sharp comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This backdrop made Starmer’s message to 18 leaders even more critical — urging them to take decisive actions for their security.
Starmer revealed that he collaborated with France and Ukraine to create a unified approach that focuses on four key objectives: ensuring continuous aid for Ukraine, keeping economic pressure on Russia, guaranteeing Ukraine’s sovereignty in negotiations, and supplying arms to deter future aggression.
Additionally, Starmer proposed forming a “coalition of the willing” to bolster Ukraine’s defense and secure the peace. He acknowledged that while not every country could contribute militarily, those eager to help should act urgently. The UK, he mentioned, is ready to support this initiative with troops and aircraft.
The success of this plan largely hinges on strong U.S. backing, which Starmer identified as essential for any sustainable peace agreement. He noted the importance of a defensive framework to prevent a fragile ceasefire from being exploited by Russia.
Starmer also indicated he would present a more detailed plan in the U.S. later. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested exploring a temporary truce, focusing negotiations on air and sea conflicts while delaying troop deployments.
Concerns have grown in Europe since Trump began direct talks with Putin, worrying about the unity of Western support for Ukraine. Starmer was hopeful after previous meetings with other leaders but was faced with new challenges following Trump’s harsh rhetoric about Zelenskyy.
During a press conference, Starmer reaffirmed the strong alliance between the UK and the U.S., stating that their defense and intelligence ties are unmatched. He expressed confidence in Trump while voicing skepticism about Putin.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, a known Ukraine supporter, emphasized the need for European unity and collaboration. She remained optimistic about Italy’s role in maintaining collective goals.
At Lancaster House, where the leaders met, Starmer pointed out the historic significance of the moment for Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need for enhanced security measures, advocating for Ukraine to become formidable enough to deter potential aggression.
Starmer, who has committed to increasing the UK’s military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, also announced additional arms support for Ukraine, including a significant investment in air defense systems.
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