British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that European leaders have agreed to craft a peace plan for Ukraine, which will be presented to the United States. This step is crucial for securing the security guarantees that Ukraine says are necessary to deter further aggression from Russia.

The announcement came during a summit in London, just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had a heated confrontation with US President Donald Trump and abruptly cut short his visit to Washington. In London, European leaders showed strong solidarity with Zelenskiy and pledged to do more to support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

European Commitment to Ukraine and Defense Spending

European leaders acknowledged the need to boost defense spending to demonstrate their ability to protect the continent. This is seen as a crucial step in convincing Trump of Europe’s readiness to secure its own defense, potentially paving the way for US security guarantees to Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested that the EU could even ease restrictions on debt levels to fund defense initiatives.

Starmer, who welcomed Zelenskiy to London with a warm embrace on Saturday, stated that Britain, Ukraine, France, and other nations would form a “coalition of the willing” to develop a peace plan for Ukraine. “This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act,” Starmer said. While the leaders did not release specific details of the plan, it is clear they are aiming to find a way to ensure peace while safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty.

French Proposal for Ceasefire and Peacekeeping Troops

Ahead of the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that the peace plan would include a one-month ceasefire, which would apply to air and sea attacks but exclude ground combat. He also mentioned that European troops could be deployed if a more comprehensive peace agreement is reached. However, it remained unclear whether all nations had agreed to these terms.

After the meeting, Zelenskiy expressed satisfaction with the strong support he received from European leaders. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to diplomacy for peace. “There will be diplomacy for the sake of peace, and for the sake of us all being together—Ukraine, all of Europe, and definitely, definitely America,” he said in his nightly address.

Tensions with the US and Stance on Territorial Integrity

Despite this support from Europe, Zelenskiy reiterated that Ukraine would not cede any territory to Russia as part of any peace agreement. He also indicated his willingness to continue negotiations with the United States, including the potential for a minerals deal. Following his clash with Trump, Zelenskiy said that he believed their relationship could be salvaged, but that future talks would need to happen behind closed doors.

Zelenskiy’s comments highlight the ongoing challenge for Ukraine in managing its relationship with the US, especially as Trump’s return to the White House has cast uncertainty over American support for Ukraine. In a controversial statement, Trump criticized Zelenskiy, suggesting that Ukraine had been ungrateful for US aid, while also downplaying the role of Russia in the conflict.

Europe’s Efforts to Secure US Backing

In light of Trump’s recent actions, including calling Putin without prior notice and sending a delegation to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russia, European leaders are concerned that the US could reduce its support for Ukraine and impose a peace deal negotiated with Russia. Several European leaders emphasized the need for increased defense spending to demonstrate Europe’s commitment to its own defense, which could convince Trump to offer more support.

Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that after years of underinvestment in defense, it is now critical for Europe to step up its defense capabilities, both for its own security and to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Trump’s Influence and the Need for European Initiative

While Europe is working to increase its defense capabilities, it faces a challenge in convincing Trump that Europe can defend itself. Unlike the US, European nations lack the extensive weaponry and ammunition stocks required for sustained defense. In response, Europe hopes to secure a US “backstop” in the form of air cover, intelligence, and a broader threat of retaliation if Russia escalates its territorial ambitions.

Starmer acknowledged the difficulty of securing unanimity among European nations on defense spending, but emphasized that it is a necessary step for ensuring continued support for Ukraine. He also recognized the need for a strong European contribution to peacekeeping efforts, should a lasting peace agreement be reached.

Global Reactions and Zelenskiy’s Diplomatic Efforts

In the wake of his clash with Trump, Zelenskiy’s leadership has been bolstered by widespread support from European nations, which are committed to ensuring Ukraine is part of any peace discussions with Russia. As European leaders work on increasing defense spending and their commitment to supporting Ukraine, they are also mindful of the need to secure a significant US role in any peacekeeping or post-war stability efforts.

On Sunday, Zelenskiy traveled to meet with King Charles at his private residence in England, further cementing his diplomatic efforts to rally international support. Meanwhile, in the US, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz continued to criticize Zelenskiy, questioning whether the Ukrainian leader was ready to negotiate a lasting peace with Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, meanwhile, praised Trump’s “common sense” approach and accused European countries of prolonging the conflict by supporting Zelenskiy’s government.

The Path Forward: Europe’s Role in Ensuring Peace

As the situation continues to evolve, Starmer and other European leaders reiterated their commitment to working with Ukraine and ensuring that it remains part of any peace process. “Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing,” Starmer concluded.

With the US’s stance on Ukraine remaining uncertain under Trump’s leadership, Europe faces a critical challenge in balancing its own defense capabilities with securing US support. However, the recent summit in London has set the stage for a more unified European effort to address the ongoing conflict and move towards a peaceful resolution.