A group of European leaders is collaborating with Ukraine to develop a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. This initiative was highlighted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a summit held at Lancaster House in London. Starmer emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing it as a critical moment for European security, and called for collective action.
The discussions focus on creating a framework for peace while ensuring that Ukraine can continue to defend itself against Russian aggression. Starmer stated that the group, which includes leaders from various European nations, will work closely with Ukraine to formulate a plan that will then be presented to the United States for further discussion.
Despite the shift towards peace talks, Starmer noted the need for vigilance, as Russian forces continue their aggressive tactics even while publicly discussing peace. He expressed a commitment to achieving "peace through strength" and urged all parties to agree on actionable steps from the summit.
The summit also addressed the recent tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which were highlighted during a heated exchange in the White House. Starmer mentioned that he had spoken with both leaders following the incident, aiming to refocus attention on the broader goal of lasting peace.
Leaders from Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Canada, Finland, and Romania participated in the summit, underscoring the united front among European nations. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the importance of maintaining solidarity within the West to avoid any divisions.
In addition to the discussions on peace, the leaders also touched on the need for increased defense spending in Europe, especially in light of potential shifts in U.S. security commitments. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for a coordinated effort to prevent escalation in the region.
As the summit concluded, there was a shared hope among attendees that the meeting would help restore focus on supporting Ukraine and addressing security concerns in Europe. The leaders recognized that while challenges remain, it is crucial to keep pursuing peace and stability in the region.