European leaders have agreed to draft a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States, aiming to secure Washington’s security guarantees for Kyiv.
The initiative follows a high-stakes summit in London, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and key European heads of state.
The discussions come amid rising concerns over the future of US support for Ukraine following a tense Oval Office meeting between Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump.
European leaders signaled their readiness to increase defense spending and proposed easing financial restrictions to bolster military support.
The European Commission suggested revising debt rules to facilitate higher defense budgets, a move aimed at demonstrating self-sufficiency to Trump.
Coalition for peace and security guarantees
Starmer announced that the UK, France, Ukraine, and other allied nations would form a “coalition of the willing” to outline a structured peace plan.
“This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of diplomatic efforts.
Although specific details were not disclosed, French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier hinted at a potential one-month ceasefire covering air and sea operations but excluding ground combat.
European leaders are pushing for a framework that would ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty while deterring further Russian aggression.
Macron also suggested that European troops could be deployed if a broader peace agreement is reached, though it remains unclear whether all EU nations support this measure.
Zelenskiy: No territorial concessions
Following the London summit, Zelenskiy reaffirmed Ukraine’s stance on territorial integrity, stating that Kyiv would not cede any land to Russia in exchange for peace.
He also reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to engage in a minerals agreement with the US, which could strengthen economic ties and secure strategic resources for both nations.
Despite tensions with Trump, Zelenskiy expressed hope of mending relations, though he noted that future discussions should take place behind closed doors.
“The format of our last conversation did not bring anything positive,” he acknowledged, referencing the recent White House dispute.
Europe’s push for increased defense spending
Fears that US support for Ukraine may wane have prompted European leaders to consider greater self-reliance in defense.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte indicated that several European nations had quietly committed to boosting military spending, a move seen as essential to gaining Trump’s support for a transatlantic security agreement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of fortifying Ukraine against future threats, stating, “We must turn Ukraine into a steel porcupine—indigestible for potential invaders.”
Washington’s stance
Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has diverged sharply from traditional US policy.
His administration has engaged Russia in separate negotiations and suggested that Kyiv bears responsibility for prolonging the war.
On social media, Trump downplayed concerns over Moscow, urging the US to focus on domestic security issues instead.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised Trump’s “common sense” diplomacy, while criticizing European leaders for “propping up Zelenskiy with their bayonets in the form of peacekeeping units.”
As European nations push for a diplomatic resolution, securing US involvement remains a top priority.
Starmer emphasized that while Europe must lead these efforts, success ultimately depends on strong American backing.
“Europe must do the heavy lifting, but a sustainable peace requires US support,” he stated.
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