British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday declared that Europe stands at a "crossroads in history" and must act decisively to bolster Ukraine’s security.
Following a high-level defence summit in London, he announced a four-step strategy aimed at ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and deterring future aggression.
Speaking at Lancaster House after the summit, Starmer unveiled a financial package worth £1.6 billion to aid Ukraine in acquiring over 5,000 missiles.
"Every nation must contribute," he asserted, noting that "important steps" had been agreed upon among European leaders to reinforce Ukraine’s position.
Starmer’s four-step strategy
Outlining his plan, Starmer stated: "First, we will keep the military aid flowing and continue increasing economic pressure on Russia to strengthen Ukraine now. Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, and Ukraine must be at the table. Third, in the event of a peace deal, we will keep boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion. Fourth, we will go further to develop a coalition of the willing to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace."
He stressed that while some nations might hesitate to contribute, those willing to act must take the lead with urgency.
"Not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that can’t mean that we sit back. Instead, those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency. The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others. Europe must do the heavy lifting."
Also read: Trump sets conditions for future negotiations with Zelensky
Summit attendees and international reactions
The defence summit saw the presence of key world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Zelensky, who later travelled to Sandringham to meet King Charles, had earlier attended a contentious meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
The London summit served as a reaffirmation of European commitment to Ukraine in light of the strained US-Ukraine ties.
Starmer dismissed concerns over US commitment to Ukraine, stating: "We are at a crossroads in history today. This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead, and to unite, around a new plan for a just and enduring peace."
European leaders agreed to "meet again very soon" to further develop the agreed-upon strategy, underscoring the urgency of maintaining robust support for Ukraine.
Also read: Trump-Zelenskyy White House clash: What went down? Watch
Follow us
