In a significant diplomatic development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine have agreed to collaborate on a ceasefire plan aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. This agreement follows intensive discussions between leaders from the four nations, particularly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s tense encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Starmer conveyed his belief that President Trump is interested in securing a lasting peace in Ukraine but reiterated that any effective peace deal would require American security guarantees. He highlighted that the plan will be presented to the U.S. government in the near future, with the goal of fostering a comprehensive solution to the war.
The move comes ahead of a critical summit in London on Sunday, where Starmer will host European leaders, including those from France, Germany, Italy, and other NATO countries. The summit aims to address the ongoing conflict and determine Europe’s role in seeking peace while safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The European diplomatic landscape was rattled after President Trump publicly criticized Zelenskyy in a highly unusual televised exchange at the White House on Friday. Trump accused the Ukrainian president of ingratitude toward U.S. support and refused to commit to providing military assistance or security guarantees to Ukraine. His remarks were seen as a significant departure from the previously strong U.S.-Ukraine relationship.
Following the incident, European leaders rallied around Zelenskyy. Starmer offered strong words of support, noting the widespread backing for Ukraine within the UK, which was also reflected in the public’s enthusiastic reception of Zelenskyy during his visit to London. “We stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take,” Starmer told Zelenskyy in a private meeting on Saturday.
The UK, alongside France, is taking a more assertive stance on Ukraine’s future, as there are growing concerns about the shifting U.S. stance. Trump’s overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his stance of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict have prompted European nations to step up their efforts. Some analysts argue that Europe must now take a leading role in negotiations and peacekeeping efforts to prevent further escalation.
Rachel Ellehuus, director-general of the Royal United Services Institute, suggested that Europe should aim to keep Ukraine “in the fight” for the time being. She emphasized the need for European financial support, such as leveraging seized Russian assets to fund the cause, and stressed that maintaining a united front is crucial to strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position.
In the wake of the diplomatic fallout, European leaders are considering significantly increasing defense spending. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has called for Europe to raise military expenditure to at least 3% of GDP to avoid being dictated to by aggressors. French President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for a more sovereign and independent Europe, underscored the importance of united defense spending to maintain European security and influence.
The London summit, expected to include key leaders such as Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the NATO Secretary-General, will attempt to formulate a unified European approach in the face of a changing global power dynamic and uncertainty in U.S. foreign policy. While the outcome remains uncertain, the pressure on European nations to act decisively in Ukraine is higher than ever.
Cuhadar, Esra. (2020). Understanding Resistance to Inclusive Peace Processes. US Institute of Peace on Researchgate
