UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that Britain and France are working closely with Ukraine to formulate a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking to the BBC, Starmer emphasized the urgency of unity among world leaders, stating, “We’ve had three years of bloody conflict. Now we need to get to that lasting peace.”
Summit in London to Address Crisis
This announcement comes ahead of a high-profile security summit in London, attended by European leaders, including representatives from Germany, Italy, Denmark, Turkey, NATO, and the European Union. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening European defence cooperation amid concerns over the US shifting its stance on Ukraine.
US-Ukraine Tensions Escalate
Starmer’s remarks follow a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, accused Zelensky of being ungrateful and dismissed his refusal to compromise with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Despite the dispute, Zelensky remains hopeful about securing Western support. In a social media post, he acknowledged the strategic partnership with the US but stressed the importance of “honest and direct dialogue.”
Financial and Military Aid for Ukraine
During Zelensky’s visit to London, the UK extended a £2.26-billion ($2.84 billion) loan agreement to boost Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The funds, to be repaid using profits from frozen Russian assets, aim to support Ukraine’s efforts in securing its territorial integrity.
European Leaders Urge Unity Amid Uncertainty
The summit also addresses fears over NATO’s future, as Trump’s foreign policy shift raises concerns about continued US support. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned against Western divisions, while Polish PM Donald Tusk pledged to use Warsaw’s close ties with Washington to maintain support for Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also called for increased European defence spending, urging leaders to take greater responsibility in maintaining stability. “All in Europe will need to give more,” Rutte stated.
Moscow Reacts to US Foreign Policy Shift
Meanwhile, the Kremlin described Zelensky’s Washington trip as a failure, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggesting that the US is aligning its foreign policy more closely with Russia’s perspective.
A Critical Moment for Ukraine’s Future
As Ukraine navigates diplomatic tensions with its Western allies, the role of UK and France in shaping a viable peace strategy remains crucial. Whether their efforts will lead to a lasting and just resolution remains to be seen.
