On Sunday, European leaders will convene in London for a crucial summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This meeting comes on the heels of a contentious gathering at the White House, which has escalated tensions in U.S.-Ukrainian relations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to play a pivotal role in these discussions, aiming to foster a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
In an official statement from his office, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized his commitment to peace in Ukraine. Speaking to BBC News on Sunday morning, he revealed that he had reached an agreement with President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron to collaborate on a comprehensive peace plan for Ukraine. This plan is intended to be presented to the United States for further discussions. Starmer mentioned that additional nations may join in crafting this strategy aimed at halting the ongoing conflict.
President Zelenskyy arrived in the UK on Saturday after a turbulent visit to Washington, D.C., where his meeting with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance devolved into a heated exchange. During this meeting, Trump and Vance made misleading accusations against Ukraine, asserting that it was responsible for initiating the ongoing war with Russia, which has persisted since February 2022 when Russian troops invaded Ukraine.
Despite the tension in Washington, European leaders have rallied to support Zelenskyy and his administration. Many leaders have stressed the critical importance of maintaining strong ties between Kyiv and Washington, D.C. In his statement, Starmer reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine, expressing a strong commitment to finding a resolution that will end Russia's illegal war and ensure a lasting peace rooted in Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
Leaders from various nations, including Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, and Romania, are expected to attend the summit. Additionally, representatives from NATO, as well as the presidents of the European Commission and European Council, will participate in the discussions. Key topics include further military support for Ukraine, increasing economic pressure on Russia, and establishing robust security guarantees from international partners.
In his statement, Starmer highlighted the necessity of intensifying preparations for European security guarantees in collaboration with allies, while also continuing discussions with the United States. He expressed the collective aim of ensuring that Ukraine has the means to defend itself against future Russian aggression.
President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Starmer for the warm reception he received in London. He confirmed that Ukraine and the UK have signed an agreement enabling Kyiv to access revenues from Russian financial assets frozen in the UK. In a social media post, Zelenskyy thanked the people and government of the United Kingdom for their unwavering support throughout the war, highlighting the strategic partnership and shared vision for a secure future.
Additionally, Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with King Charles III on Sunday, further solidifying diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the UK. This summit represents a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to support Ukraine amidst the challenges it faces in the wake of the Russian invasion.
