In a major announcement, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled plans to form a new “Coalition of the Willing” to bolster support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
Speaking after a crucial summit in London with 18 international leaders, Starmer emphasized the urgent need for action to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Following the summit, Sir Keir Starmer said, “We are at a crossroads in history today,” marking a turning point in Europe’s approach to the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who attended the summit, echoed these sentiments, expressing his deep appreciation for the “strong support” he felt from the European leaders present. Zelensky noted that the summit demonstrated “the highest level of European unity, which has not been seen in many years.”
Starmer also revealed a four-point plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and protecting the country from further Russian aggression.
The plan includes continuing military aid to Ukraine, increasing economic pressure on Russia, and ensuring that Ukraine is guaranteed sovereignty in any peace talks.
Additionally, the UK leader stressed the need for an enhanced defense capability for Ukraine to resist any future aggression and proposed the creation of a broader security alliance to ensure lasting peace.
“We must learn from our past mistakes. We cannot accept any weak agreement that Russia can easily violate. The agreement must be strong,” Starmer insisted.
As part of the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, Starmer pledged an additional two billion dollars in aid, including the purchase of 5,000 air defense missiles.
This follows a previous military assistance package of £2.2 billion funded through the profits from seized Russian assets.
While Starmer did not provide details on which countries have agreed to join the proposed coalition, he assured that those involved would take immediate action.
“We must make significant progress in Europe,” he added, highlighting the importance of the United States` involvement in the effort.
However, he noted that while the coalition should include Russia in some form, Moscow should not be given any negotiating advantage.
“We have agreed with Trump on the urgent need for peace. Now it’s time for everyone to work together,” Starmer said, referring to discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
When asked about Trump’s leadership and whether the United States could be relied upon as a partner, Starmer replied, “What happened last Friday is something no one wanted to see. But I do not believe the United States is an unreliable partner.”
The summit, which was attended by key European countries including France, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, and Canada, came just days after a tense exchange between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office.
In that meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III,” a statement that escalated tensions between the two leaders.
Zelensky, however, reiterated his readiness to continue negotiations with the U.S. on a rare mineral agreement.
During his Washington visit, Ukraine had hoped to sign a deal granting the U.S. access to its mineral resources.
However, after the confrontation with Trump, the Ukrainian delegation walked out of the meeting.
“I am ready to sign the agreement if all parties involved are prepared,” Zelensky told reporters after the summit in London.
The diplomatic efforts surrounding Ukraine’s defense have intensified in recent days, with key European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK’s Sir Keir Starmer, and Zelensky himself, all participating in high-stakes discussions.
While the U.S. has begun peace talks with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement, Zelensky remains hopeful that continued unity in Europe will lead to a solution that ensures Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
In the aftermath of these events, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that European countries are determined to ensure that Ukraine can continue its fight against Russia for as long as necessary.
As the world watches, the question remains whether this new coalition and increased diplomatic efforts will succeed in ending the war or if the tension will continue to escalate.
Only time will tell whether the international community can find a lasting solution to the crisis.
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