UK, European leaders unite to draft Ukraine peace plan for U.S. review

LONDON. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that European leaders have agreed to draft a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States, aiming to secure Washington’s support for security guarantees that Kyiv deems essential in deterring Russia.

At a summit in London, held just two days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine and pledged to enhance their assistance. The discussions underscored the need for increased defense spending to demonstrate to Trump that Europe is capable of self-defense. Additionally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested easing debt-related restrictions to facilitate these efforts.

Formation of a “Coalition of the Willing”

Welcoming a visibly shaken Zelenskiy with a warm embrace, Starmer revealed that Britain, Ukraine, France, and other allied nations would form a “coalition of the willing” to formulate a viable peace proposal.

“This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace,” Starmer emphasized.

Although details of the plan remain undisclosed, French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier indicated in an interview with Le Figaro that it could include a one-month ceasefire affecting air and sea attacks but not ground combat. Macron also suggested the potential deployment of European troops should a more comprehensive peace deal materialize, though it remains uncertain whether other nations have agreed to these terms.

Following the summit, Zelenskiy expressed his optimism, stating, “There will be diplomacy for the sake of peace. And for the sake of us all being together – Ukraine, all of Europe, and America.”

Ukraine’s Stance on Peace Talks

Zelenskiy reaffirmed that Ukraine would not cede any territory to Russia as part of any peace agreement. He also reiterated his willingness to finalize a minerals trade deal with the United States, despite recent tensions.

Regarding his heated exchange with Trump, Zelenskiy suggested that their relationship could still be salvaged but emphasized that future discussions must occur in private. “The format of what happened, I don’t think it brought something positive or additional to us as partners,” he remarked.

Europe’s Urgency in Securing U.S. Support

Concerns have mounted among European leaders that Kyiv may be sidelined in negotiations after Trump’s Oval Office clash with Zelenskiy heightened fears of a U.S. withdrawal from Ukraine’s defense. European officials stress that increasing defense expenditures is critical to securing U.S. backing in the event of a peace agreement.

“After a long time of underinvestment, it is now of utmost importance to step up the defense investment for a prolonged period,” von der Leyen stated, adding that Europe must transform “Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders.”

Trump’s Unpredictability and Its Impact on Ukraine

Europe, which lacks the extensive military and ammunition reserves of the United States, is working to convince Trump that it can sustain its defense but that a credible peace deal requires U.S. involvement. Talks with Washington have focused on securing an American safety net for European peacekeeping efforts, potentially involving air support, intelligence sharing, and a more significant deterrent against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump, who has drastically altered U.S. foreign policy since returning to office, has cast doubt on American military and political commitments to Ukraine. In a Truth Social post late Sunday, he wrote: “We should spend less time worrying about Putin, and more time worrying about migrant rape gangs, drug lords, murderers, and people from mental institutions entering our Country – So that we don’t end up like Europe!”

Trump’s unilateral moves—such as calling Putin without prior notice and dispatching a U.S. delegation to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russia without consulting Ukraine or Europe—have alarmed European leaders. Furthermore, he has falsely implied that Kyiv initiated the conflict and recently criticized Zelenskiy for lacking gratitude for U.S. aid.

European Leaders Seek to Keep Kyiv at the Table

Determined to prevent Ukraine from being excluded from future negotiations, European leaders agreed to work towards ensuring Kyiv’s participation in any peace discussions and strengthening its defense capabilities.

“Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and to succeed, this effort must have strong U.S. backing,” Starmer emphasized in a press conference.

As a further demonstration of support for Ukraine, Zelenskiy traveled to meet King Charles at his private residence in eastern England on Sunday. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials continued their critique of Zelenskiy, with White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stating in a CNN interview that the U.S. requires a Ukrainian leader willing to broker a lasting peace with Russia—questioning whether Zelenskiy fits that role.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commended Trump’s “common sense” approach, accusing European nations of prolonging the war by propping up Zelenskiy “with their bayonets in the form of peacekeeping units.”

With the geopolitical landscape shifting, European leaders remain steadfast in their push for a united front to secure peace—one that includes Kyiv, European allies, and, critically, the United States.