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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged European leaders to bolster their support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need to seize this “once-in-a-generation moment” to secure lasting peace in Europe.

Speaking at the high-stakes summit in London, on March 2, 2025, Starmer, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, pushed for a unified European response to Russia’s continued aggression.

“Even while Russia talks about peace, they are continuing their relentless aggression,” Starmer said at the summit’s opening session. His remarks came amid increasing concerns over the future of Western support for Kyiv, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a shift in Washington’s stance on the war.

European peace plan

Starmer, Zelenskyy, and Macron discussed a strategy to halt the fighting, which they plan to present to the United States. The proposal includes provisions for military aid, a European-led security force, and U.S. involvement to ensure the agreement holds.

“We need to agree on what steps come out of this meeting to deliver peace through strength for the benefit of all,” Starmer stated. “So, let’s get started.”

One of the key topics under discussion is the potential deployment of a European military force to Ukraine to uphold a ceasefire. Starmer described the initiative as “a coalition of the willing.”

The move underscores Europe’s willingness to take a more proactive role in securing regional stability, especially as doubts grow over the extent of future U.S. involvement.

London. A meaningful and warm meeting with Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer.

During our talks, we discussed the challenges facing Ukraine and all of Europe, coordination with partners, concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position, and ending the war with a just peace, along with… pic.twitter.com/IAwcPgbhYW

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 1, 2025

Trump’s rebuke of Zelenskyy

The summit comes in the wake of a stunning diplomatic rift, with Trump publicly berating Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday. In an extraordinary televised exchange, Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of being ungrateful for U.S. support.

The incident sent shockwaves through European capitals, raising fears that Washington might withdraw military and financial assistance at a critical juncture in the conflict.

Despite Trump’s remarks, Starmer remains focused on diplomacy. He positioned himself as a mediator, seeking to engage with Trump while also reinforcing European unity. “Do I believe Donald Trump when he says he wants lasting peace? The answer to that is yes,” Starmer told the media while making it clear that he does not trust Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He emphasized the importance of securing a U.S. security guarantee, warning that any deal must be durable. “If there is to be a deal, if there is to be a stopping of the fighting, then that agreement has to be defended because the worst of all outcomes is that there is a temporary pause and then Putin comes again,” he cautioned.

Starmer outlined three essential components for any lasting peace agreement. First, he emphasized the importance of arming Ukraine to ensure Kyiv remains in a strong negotiating position, advocating for the continued supply of military aid.

Second, he proposed the establishment of a European security force capable of enforcing a ceasefire, highlighting the need for a unified European effort to maintain stability.

Lastly, he stressed the necessity of securing a U.S. “backstop” to guarantee that Putin does not renege on any deal, underscoring the role of American commitment in deterring future Russian aggression. According to Starmer, all three elements must be in place to create a durable and credible peace settlement.

“That’s the package. All three parts need to be in place, and that’s what I’m working hard to bring together,” Starmer said.

European leaders rally around Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy’s treatment at the White House has galvanized European leaders, who are reaffirming their support for Ukraine. Starmer embraced Zelenskyy upon his arrival at Lancaster House, a historic mansion near Buckingham Palace where the summit was held.

Macron, who had recently met with Trump in Washington, framed the European response as a wake-up call. “We should have woken up earlier,” Macron admitted. “I’ve been saying for years that we need a more sovereign, more united, more independent Europe.”

Concerns have been mounting over Trump’s increasing engagement with Putin. While most Western leaders have sought to isolate the Russian president since the invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Trump’s direct talks with him have unsettled European allies. His claims that Ukraine started the war and his labeling of Zelenskyy as a dictator have further strained relations.

Pledges to boost military spending

Recently, Starmer has committed to increasing Britain’s defense budget to 2.5% of its GDP by 2027, signaling a broader European shift toward greater self-reliance in security matters. Other European nations are following suit.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala called on European nations to boost their military spending to at least 3% of their GDP, warning of dire consequences if they fail to act. “If we don’t increase our effort fast enough and let the aggressor dictate its conditions, we won’t end up well,” he said.

Macron echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the U.S.’s pivot toward China and the Indo-Pacific. “It is legitimate for the U.S. to shift its focus,” he said, but added that Europe must take responsibility for its security.

Zelenskyy’s meeting with Italy’s Meloni

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the summit in London. Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s unwavering support for Kyiv in its fight against the Russian invasion, according to her office.  

A statement released by the Italian Prime Minister’s office emphasized that the meeting provided an opportunity for Meloni to reiterate Italy’s commitment to Ukraine and its people, working alongside European and Western partners and the United States to achieve a just and lasting peace that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and freedom. 

Meloni spoke with President Trump by phone shortly before the summit and the meeting with the Ukrainian President. According to a statement from her office, the call with Trump took place “given her meeting in London tomorrow with the President of Ukraine.” No further details were provided regarding their conversation.

I had a productive meeting with the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy @GiorgiaMeloni to develop a joint action plan for ending the war with a just and lasting peace.

No one other than Putin is interested in the continuation and quick return of the war. Therefore, it… pic.twitter.com/3xCF7qTiCv

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 2, 2025

Zelenskyy thanked the Italian leader for her support for Ukraine. “I am grateful to Italy for its continued support and partnership in bringing peace in Ukraine closer,” he said.  

 “No one other than Putin is interested in the continuation and quick return of the war. Therefore, it is important to maintain unity around Ukraine and strengthen our country’s position in cooperation with our allies, the countries of Europe and the United States.” His remarks reinforced the urgent need for sustained support as European leaders, including Meloni, pledged to stand by Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression. 

Defining moment for Europe

Sunday’s summit underscored the critical crossroads at which Europe finds itself. With Trump’s position on Ukraine increasingly unpredictable, European leaders are being forced to rethink their approach to security and defense.

For Starmer, the summit was an opportunity to demonstrate leadership on the global stage. His diplomatic efforts, balancing engagement with Trump while rallying European unity, could shape the future of the war and Europe’s role in global security.