European leaders convened in London on Sunday to address the strained relationship between Ukraine and the United States, aiming to create a “coalition of the willing” to devise a strategy for ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. The initiative is intended to gain the support of a skeptical President Trump.
Invited by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the leaders committed to enhancing support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a recent contentious exchange with Mr. Trump. The gathering emphasized Europe’s desire to maintain a trans-Atlantic alliance that has sustained peace for nearly eight decades.
Mr. Starmer remarked, “We are at a crossroads in history,” stressing that Europe must take significant action while also requiring strong U.S. backing for any peace efforts. Despite Mr. Trump’s previous discontent with Mr. Zelensky, Mr. Starmer expressed belief in the U.S. president's commitment to achieving a lasting peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
While details of the proposed plan remain vague, Mr. Starmer indicated it could serve as a foundation for persuading Mr. Trump to provide American security guarantees. Britain and France have already committed to contributing troops to a peacekeeping force and are seeking additional support from other European nations.
Mr. Starmer noted, “I wouldn’t be taking this step down this road if I didn’t think it would yield a positive outcome,” highlighting the complexities of European diplomacy following Mr. Trump’s unexpected outreach to President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
The exchange between Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelensky has intensified the sense of urgency. Mr. Starmer, who had a more favorable meeting with Mr. Trump the previous day, attempted to mediate between the two leaders. However, both ultimately decided against an immediate reconciliation.
During the London meeting, Mr. Zelensky received strong support from the 18 leaders present, including prominent figures such as President Emmanuel Macron of France and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. Following the discussions, Mr. Zelensky visited King Charles III at Sandringham, a gesture that underscored the diplomatic efforts underway.
Despite the show of unity, there remains an understanding that ensuring U.S. involvement is crucial. Analyst Mujtaba Rahman noted that Mr. Starmer’s objectives include formulating a plan that keeps the U.S. engaged in Ukraine’s security while preparing for scenarios where that support may not materialize.
To bolster defense efforts, Mr. Starmer urged European nations to increase military spending, a call echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who reported commitments from several countries. Additionally, the British government announced a loan of £2.26 billion (approximately $2.8 billion) for military hardware and plans to facilitate the purchase of advanced air defense missiles for Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that the European Union would enhance its military and economic support for Ukraine, aiming to strengthen its defenses against potential aggressors.
The ongoing conflict has positioned Mr. Starmer at the forefront of European diplomacy, a notable shift for a British prime minister in the context of heightened security challenges. Analysts suggest that this engagement may improve Britain’s standing in Europe, even as Mr. Starmer faces domestic political complexities.
While Mr. Starmer’s efforts to secure U.S. security guarantees have not yielded results, a Trump administration official indicated that discussions regarding Ukraine policy options would continue, including potential adjustments to American military aid.
Mr. Starmer's approach to fostering closer ties with Europe reflects a strategic response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, despite the challenges posed by domestic political considerations and the historical context of past military coalitions.
Diplomats have noted that the current climate necessitates a reevaluation of alliances, as countries recognize the need for greater self-reliance in defense and security matters.
In conclusion, Mr. Starmer affirmed his belief in the reliability of the U.S. as an ally, countering narratives of a fractured trans-Atlantic relationship.