Chicago – March 03, 2025
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that European leaders will create a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States. The goal is to secure U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, which Kyiv sees as essential to deterring Russia.
The decision came after a summit in London, just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s tense meeting with Donald Trump in Washington. European leaders pledged stronger support for Ukraine and agreed to boost defense spending to show Europe can protect itself. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested easing debt rules to help fund these efforts.
Starmer, who warmly welcomed a shaken Zelenskiy, said the U.K., France, and other nations would form a “coalition of the willing” to draft the plan.
“This is not the time for more talk—it’s time for action,” Starmer said.
French President Emmanuel Macron previously suggested a one-month ceasefire covering air and sea attacks but not ground combat. European troops could be deployed if a larger peace deal is reached.
Zelenskiy reaffirmed Ukraine would not cede any territory and remains open to a minerals deal with the U.S. European leaders hope stronger defense commitments will convince Trump to support Ukraine’s security.