Britain, France, and Ukraine Push Ceasefire Plan as European Summit Takes Center Stage
Starmer Seeks to Bridge Trump-Zelenskyy Divide
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Sunday that Britain, France, and Ukraine have agreed to develop a ceasefire plan to present to the United States. This initiative comes as Starmer prepares to host a high-stakes European summit aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
The London summit follows a contentious meeting at the White House, where former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of being ungrateful for U.S. support. The tense exchange has heightened concerns over the future of Western backing for Ukraine.
However, Starmer positioned himself as a mediator, saying he is focused on restoring diplomatic efforts rather than escalating tensions.
“We’ve now agreed that the United Kingdom, along with France and possibly one or two others, will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting,” Starmer told the BBC. “Then, we’ll discuss that plan with the United States.”
European Leaders Weigh Military Force to Support Ceasefire
Sunday’s summit is expected to feature discussions on forming a European military coalition to help enforce a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
Starmer emphasized that while he does not trust Russian President Vladimir Putin, he does believe in Trump’s intentions.
“Do I believe Donald Trump when he says he wants lasting peace? The answer to that is yes,” Starmer stated.
According to Starmer, the ceasefire plan hinges on three key factors:
- A security guarantee from the U.S.
- European involvement in enforcement.
- A long-term strategy to prevent Russia from resuming hostilities.
“The worst possible outcome is a temporary pause in fighting, followed by Putin attacking again,” he warned.
Lancaster House Summit Draws High-Level Attendance
The summit at Lancaster House, an iconic mansion near Buckingham Palace, has drawn participation from major European powers, including France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania.
Key figures such as NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, the Turkish Foreign Minister, and top EU officialsare also in attendance.
This gathering follows a diplomatic push by European leaders to engage with Trump in Washington, aiming to keep Ukraine at the center of international negotiations.
Zelenskyy Rallies European Support After White House Clash
Zelenskyy received a warm welcome in London, with European leaders rallying behind him following his high-profile clash with Trump.
Starmer embraced Zelenskyy upon his arrival Saturday, emphasizing the UK’s support for Ukraine.
“As you heard from the cheers outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom,” Starmer said. “We stand with you for as long as it takes.”
Trump’s direct peace talks with Putin have unsettled European leaders, raising fears that the U.S. may scale back its military and financial support. This concern deepened after Trump falsely claimed Ukraine started the war and referred to Zelenskyy as a dictator.
Tensions Rise as Trump Declares U.S. Neutrality
The recent breakdown in talks has fueled speculation about Europe’s next steps. Some leaders fear that Ukraine can no longer count on American support after Trump declared himself neutral in negotiations.
Rachel Ellehuus, Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute, said Starmer effectively asserted Europe’s role in the Ukraine conflict but called Friday’s White House exchange a “major setback.”
“The immediate goal of the London meetings must be to keep Ukraine in the fight so it can negotiate from a position of strength,” she said.
Ellehuus suggested Europe could use 200 billion euros ($207 billion) in seized Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s war effort.
Europe Pushes for Increased Military Spending
Amid growing uncertainty, Starmer pledged to increase British defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. Other European leaders, including Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, echoed the need for increased military funding.
“If we don’t step up fast enough and let the aggressor dictate terms, we will not end up well,” Fiala warned.
French President Emmanuel Macron also emphasized the urgency, arguing that Europe must take control of its own security.
“We should have woken up earlier,” Macron admitted. “For years, I have said we need a more sovereign, more united, more independent Europe.”
As Europe scrambles to counterbalance Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine, the outcome of this London summitcould reshape the region’s defense strategy for years to come.
👉 Stay informed with real-time updates and in-depth analysis at NewsLink7.com. Fact-checked news that matters. Follow us 24/7, 365 days. There are no sides, just the truth. Explore more stories and stay ahead with NewsLink7.com.