London, UK — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on March 2 that European leaders have agreed to draft a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States, a crucial step for Washington to offer security guarantees that Kyiv deems essential to deter Russia.
The announcement came at a summit in London, just two days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clashed with US President Donald Trump and cut short his visit to Washington. World leaders at the summit expressed strong support for Zelensky and pledged to do more to assist Ukraine.
European leaders agreed on the need to increase defense spending to demonstrate to Trump that the continent can protect itself. With many nations facing strained public finances, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested easing the bloc’s debt rules to facilitate increased defense investment.
Starmer, who welcomed a visibly shaken Zelensky on March 1 with a warm hug, stated that Britain, Ukraine, France, and other willing nations would form a “coalition of the willing” to draft a peace plan to present to Trump. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “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.”
Following Trump’s heated exchange with Zelensky in the Oval Office, fears have arisen that the US might withdraw support for Ukraine and impose a peace plan negotiated with Russia. European leaders are scrambling to ensure Kyiv is not excluded from any talks. Several leaders stressed the importance of increasing defense spending to secure a US security guarantee in the event of peace.
Von der Leyen highlighted the need for prolonged defense investment, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized Europe’s responsibility to bear the burden of increased defense budgets within NATO. Both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining close ties with the US.
Lacking the weaponry and ammunition stocks of the US, Europe hopes to convince Trump that it can defend itself, but that Russia will only adhere to a peace deal backed by the United States. Talks with the US have focused on providing a backstop for a European peacekeeping role, potentially involving air cover, intelligence, and surveillance.
Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed their willingness to deploy British and French troops to Ukraine to help maintain peace if an agreement is reached. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte pointed to promises from more European countries to increase defense spending, while insisting that the US remains committed to the transatlantic alliance.
The London summit brought together allies from across Europe, including France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, NATO, and the European Union. Zelensky also met King Charles III at his Sandringham estate in England.
Trump’s return to the White House in January has upended US policy on the three-year-old war, casting doubt on its support for Ukraine and Europe while ending Moscow’s isolation. Trump blindsided Europe by calling Russian President Vladimir Putin without warning and sending a delegation to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russia without including Ukraine or Europe. He has falsely suggested that Kyiv was responsible for starting the war and criticized Zelensky for not being grateful for US aid.
Starmer described watching the spat between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office as uncomfortable but emphasized the need to push the conversation forward by offering himself as a mediator between Europe and the US. In a further show of support for Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader later met King Charles at his private residence in eastern England.
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz told CNN on March 2 that the US needs a Ukrainian leader willing to secure lasting peace with Russia, but it is unclear if Zelensky is prepared to do so. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised Trump’s “common sense” approach and accused European countries of prolonging the conflict by supporting Zelensky with peacekeeping units.
Starmer stated that European leaders agreed to ensure Kyiv’s participation in any peace talks and to boost Ukraine’s defense capabilities. “Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent, and to succeed this effort must have strong US backing,” Starmer said at a news conference.