UK, France, Ukraine collaborate on cease-fire plan to propose to US
Starmer mentioned that “Intense discussions” to secure a security guarantee from the United States are one of the three elements crucial for achieving lasting peace.
On March 2, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Britain, France, and Ukraine are collaborating on a cease-fire proposal to present to the United States in anticipation of hosting European leaders in talks aimed at resolving the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
The summit convened by Starmer on Sunday contrasts with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent meeting with Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Trump reprimanded Zelenskyy for not being prepared for peace and lacking gratitude for America’s aid in defending Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Starmer affirmed his commitment to reinitiating peace talks and sees the breakdown on Friday as an opportunity to re-engage with Trump, Zelenskyy, and French President Emmanuel Macron without escalating tensions.
“We have agreed that the UK, along with France and possibly other nations, will collaborate with Ukraine on a plan to halt hostilities, and subsequently discuss this plan with the United States,” Starmer informed the BBC, noting that he and Macron have both communicated with Trump following his meeting with Zelenskyy.
During the summit on Sunday, European leaders will focus on reinforcing the continent’s defenses to support Ukraine, including the establishment of a European military force to deploy to the conflict-ridden region in order to enforce a cease-fire. Starmer proposed that this military contingent would comprise a “coalition of the willing.”
Although Starmer expressed distrust towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, he affirmed his belief in Trump.
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Starmer affirmed his confidence in Trump’s commitment to achieving lasting peace by stating, “Yes, I do believe Donald Trump when he expresses his desire for enduring peace.”
Starmer emphasized that obtaining a security guarantee from the United States through “intense discussions” represents one of the crucial components necessary for achieving lasting peace.
“If a deal is to be reached and hostilities are to cease, then that agreement must be fortified, as the worst-case scenario would be a temporary pause followed by Putin’s resurgence,” Starmer cautioned. “This has occurred in the past, posing a significant risk. Hence, we must ensure that any deal reached is enduring, not temporary.”
The summit, scheduled to take place at Lancaster House—a historic mansion near Buckingham Palace—will see the participation of leaders from various European nations including France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania.
Additionally, the Turkish foreign minister, NATO secretary-general, and presidents of the European Commission and European Council will be in attendance.
Following the acrimonious White House meeting on Friday where a rare earths deal collapsed and Trump advised Zelenskyy to return when he was prepared for peace, Zelenskyy received support from European leaders after his arrival in Britain on Saturday, where Starmer welcomed him warmly.
Starmer reiterated the UK’s full support for Ukraine and expressed solidarity, stating, “We are with you and Ukraine for as long as it takes.” Starmer further committed to increasing military spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027, with other European nations likely to follow suit.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala echoed this sentiment, urging European countries to raise military spending to at least 3 percent of GDP given the continent’s historic challenge in defending itself. Fiala warned, “Failure to enhance our efforts promptly and allowing the aggressor to dictate terms will not yield positive outcomes.”
Macron advocated for unity among European nations and greater defense spending, expressing his belief that it was justified for the US to shift its military focus to China and Asia. Macron stated, “We should have acted sooner. I have been advocating for a more sovereign, united, and independent Europe for years.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
