UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a four-point strategy to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, urging European nations to take the lead while seeking US involvement in securing a lasting peace.

Speaking after a summit of 18 leaders, mostly from Europe, Starmer emphasised the need for a “coalition of the willing” to maintain military aid, increase economic pressure on Russia, and ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty in any peace talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also present at the summit, described the gathering as a rare display of European unity.

“We are at a crossroads in history today,” Starmer said. “Europe must do the heavy lifting, but this agreement must have US backing and cannot allow Russia to dictate terms.”

Four-point plan for Ukraine

The UK prime minister outlined four key commitments agreed upon during the summit:

Sustaining military assistance to Ukraine while intensifying economic pressure on Russia.
Ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security in any peace negotiations.
Strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in case of future conflicts.
Forming a coalition to defend any peace agreement and guarantee long-term stability.

To reinforce these commitments, Starmer announced an additional £1.6 billion ($2 billion) in UK export finance for Ukraine to purchase over 5,000 air defence missiles. This comes alongside a £2.2 billion loan for military support, backed by profits from frozen Russian assets.

“We cannot afford a weak deal that Russia can violate at will. Any agreement must be backed by strength,” Starmer asserted.

While the UK premier did not specify which countries had joined the coalition, he confirmed that planning efforts would intensify “with real urgency.” He further stated that Britain would back its commitment with “boots on the ground and planes in the air.”

US-Ukraine rift over peace talks

The summit came just two days after a heated exchange between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump, who has advocated for a swift end to the war, has also expressed trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns among European allies.

In an Oval Office meeting, Trump reportedly accused Ukraine of “gambling with World War Three” and suggested that Kyiv was responsible for provoking the war—despite Russia launching a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

The rift was further exposed when the US initiated peace talks with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement. Meanwhile, Zelensky revealed that a minerals deal with Washington—expected to grant the US access to Ukraine’s rare mineral reserves—remains stalled. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the agreement could not proceed “without a peace deal” with Moscow.

Zelensky, however, appeared optimistic. “The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready,” he told reporters after the summit.

European leaders call for stronger defence

The summit, which included France, Poland, Germany, Italy, and other key European nations, underscored a growing push for European nations to bolster their defences.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the urgent need to “re-arm Europe,” while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed that European nations were “stepping up” to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to continue fighting.

Following the summit, Zelensky visited Sandringham to meet King Charles III before addressing the press. His meeting with European leaders marked the conclusion of a week of intense diplomacy, including visits to Washington by Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

While Starmer reaffirmed that US backing was crucial for any durable peace, he dismissed suggestions that Washington under Trump was an unreliable ally. “Nobody wanted to see what happened last Friday, but I do not accept that the US is an unreliable partner,” he said.

As the war in Ukraine nears its third year, the diplomatic wrangling over a peace settlement continues, with European leaders seeking to consolidate their stance while tensions persist between Kyiv and Washington.