World leaders gathered recently to show their support for Ukraine, even in the absence of the United States. The meeting, led by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, aimed to send a strong message about the ongoing conflict with Russia. Starmer emphasized that Ukraine is ready for peace talks, while Russia continues its aggressive actions.
During the meeting, Starmer pointed out the importance of making a united statement. He described Ukraine as the "party of peace," willing to agree to a ceasefire without conditions. In contrast, he labeled Russia as the "party of war," accusing it of delaying peace efforts and carrying out brutal attacks.
Starmer expressed a desire for "concrete commitments" from the coalition of nations present. While he mentioned that new commitments were made, he did not provide specific details. He did say that the coalition would soon enter an "operational military planning" phase, with military leaders set to meet in the UK.
When pressed about the role of troops from the coalition, Starmer did not clarify what powers they would have in enforcing any agreements. He indicated that discussions about operational capabilities would take place in the coming days.
The meeting’s messages were aimed not only at Russia but also at the United States. Starmer asserted that Russia would eventually have to negotiate, driven by increased military support for Ukraine and the threat of tougher economic sanctions. He also mentioned the possibility of seizing frozen Russian assets.
Starmer’s remarks highlighted that Europe and its allies are taking steps to support Ukraine and defend themselves. However, he maintained that any lasting peace deal must include security guarantees from the United States. He reiterated that his team is in daily communication with Washington on these matters.
Despite the notable absence of the US, the meeting marked a step forward in international support for Ukraine, showing that progress continues in the face of challenges.