‘UK Should Lead’: Starmer Unveils Ukraine Plan After European Summit, Says US Not An ‘Unreliable’ Ally – News18

Last Updated:March 03, 2025, 00:02 IST

UK PM Starmer said that “Europe must do the heavy lifting” in securing peace in Ukraine, calling for US backing after hosting talks with European leaders.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday said that “Europe must do the heavy lifting” in securing peace in Ukraine. He further announced a new 1.6 billion pound ($2 billion) deal which would allow Ukraine to purchase 5,000 air-defence missiles using export finance.

Starmer hosted a significant summit of European leaders in London to find a way forward with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following his showdown with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office meeting

Read More: After Trump’s Snub, Zelenskyy Gets Warm Hugs, Euro 3-Billion Loan Handout From UK’s Starmer

Eighteen allies were gathered on the key question of security guarantees for Ukraine, all the more pressing after Trump berated his Ukrainian counterpart. Sitting next to Zelenskyy, summit host Starmer said it was “a once-in-a-generation moment for the security of Europe and we all need to step up”.

He further called for US backing to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from violating any ceasefire, following the summit. “Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent, and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing,” Starmer told the reporters.

Starmer and France President Emmanuel Macron have said they are prepared to deploy British and French troops to Ukraine. “A number of countries have indicated today that they want to be part of the plan that we are developing,” he said.

Starmer also said the America was “not an unreliable ally”.

“In other words, we’ve got to find those countries in Europe that are prepared to be a bit more forward leaning,” he told BBC television.

“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.

The London meeting brings together leaders from around continental Europe, including France, Germany, Denmark and Italy as well as Turkey, NATO and the European Union.

With fears growing over whether the United States will continue to support NATO, the meeting also addressed the need for Europe to increase defence cooperation.

EU Chief Calls For Rearming Europe

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned on Sunday that “we urgently have to rearm Europe” as leaders from the continent met in London for crisis talks over Ukraine.

Von der Leyen said she would present a “comprehensive plan” at an EU summit on Thursday, adding that “we have to have a surge in defence” and “step up massively”.

“It’s now of utmost importance we increase spending … it’s important we prepare for the worst,” she added.

The leaders had a “good and frank discussion” and talked about the need for security guarantees, said the EU chief.

Zelenskyy also held a meeting with Italy PM Georgia Meloni and said that it is important to maintain unity around Ukraine and strengthen our country’s position in cooperation with the allies.

“I had a productive meeting with the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy @GiorgiaMeloni to develop a joint action plan for ending the war with a just and lasting peace. No one other than Putin is interested in the continuation and quick return of the war. Therefore, it is important to maintain unity around Ukraine and strengthen our country’s position in cooperation with our allies – the countries of Europe and the United States. Ukraine needs peace backed by robust security guarantees. I am grateful to Italy for its continued support and partnership in bringing peace in Ukraine closer,” he said on X.

Trudeau Joins In

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday arrived in London to attend the meeting of the European leaders to discuss peace deal to guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

Read More: ‘Restore Relationship With Trump’: NATO Chief To Zelenskyy After White House Showdown

I’m in London this morning, working with President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Starmer, and European leaders to bring about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine — one that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and security,” Trudeau said on X.

UK, Ukraine Sign Loan Agreement

The United Kingdom and Ukraine signed a loan agreement valued at three billion euros ($3.1 billion) to strengthen Kyiv’s defence capabilities.

Starmer welcomed Zelenskyy with handshakes and “warm” hugs at Downing Street on Saturday. The Ukrainian leader arrived at London Stansted Airport on Saturday after a shouting match with the US President in Washington on Friday. In addition to attending the security summit, Zelenskyy is due to meet King Charles III during his visit.

Starmer Assures Britain’s ‘Full Support’ To Ukraine

During the meeting, Starmer told Zelenskyy that Ukraine has Britain’s “full backing”. The statement seemed relevant amid the ongoing uncertainty over US support following yesterday’s showdown.

Read More: UK, France, Ukraine Agree To Work On Ceasefire Plan For Russia’s War in Ukraine

“You have full backing across the United Kingdom and we have full backing for Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Keir said.

The pair discussed Ukraine’s position and how to end the war “with a lasting and just peace that will not allow Russia to use the ceasefire to rearm and attack again”, according to a statement released by Zelensky’s office.

What Happened During Trump- Zelenskyy Meet

At the oval Office meeting on Friday, Trump dressed down Zelenskyy and said that the latter is “gambling with World War Three”. He further said that a truce with Russia is “fairly close” and that the deal allowing US to use Ukraine’s natural resources would be “very fair.”

Reprimanding Zelenskyy, Trump said, “We’re going to feel very good and very strong.”

Read More: On Camera, Trump Rebukes Ukraine’s Zelenskyy In Heated White House Talks: ‘You’re Gambling With World War 3’

When Trump was asked about concerns about siding too much with Putin, he said he was only allied with American interests. “If I didn’t align myself with both of them, you’d never have a deal. You want me to say really terrible things about Putin and then say, ‘Hi, Vladimir, how are we doing on the deal?’ That doesn’t work that way.”

Trump later cancelled a scheduled joint press conference with Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, a planned White House lunch was also scrapped.

Later Zelenskyy and team Ukraine were asked to leave the White House after their meeting with Trump collapsed when JD Vance accused him of having “disrespected” the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location :

London, United Kingdom (UK)