London Summit Shows European Solidarity with Ukraine
A high-level summit kicked off in London on Sunday in response to an invitation from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the Ukraine conflict. More than a dozen European leaders attended the summit, which also included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a heated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Addressing the summit with Zelensky by his side, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the significance of the moment for European security. He said, “This is a generational moment for Europe’s security. We all need to take action to address this crisis.”
Starmer assured Zelensky, “No matter how long it takes, we stand with you and the people of Ukraine. Everyone around this table is on your side.”
The UK Prime Minister stressed the need for consensus on the steps toward peace, highlighting that any initiatives from the summit must benefit everyone involved.
In addition to Starmer, leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, along with 18 other European leaders, welcomed Zelensky to London.
The summit aimed to counter divisions in the Western world over Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored the importance of the conference in avoiding a “division in the Western world” over the Ukraine conflict.
After discussions with Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, Starmer announced an agreement involving the UK, France, and “possibly one or two other parties” to collaborate with Kyiv on ending the war. This peace plan will be presented to the United States.
In an interview with the BBC, Starmer expressed optimism: “I think we have taken the right step. We need to find a way to work together because, ultimately, we have witnessed three years of bloody conflict. Now we must achieve lasting peace.”
Starmer further elaborated, “The UK, France, and potentially a few others will work with Ukraine on a plan to end the war, and then we will discuss this plan with the United States.”