Britain and France are working with Ukraine on plans to end the fighting with Russia, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday, March 2, as European leaders gathered for crisis talks following a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Speaking ahead of a summit in London attended by more than a dozen European leaders, Starmer emphasized the need for global cooperation, stating that after three years of conflict, a path to lasting peace must be found. He confirmed that the UK, alongside France and possibly other allies, is working with Ukraine on a plan to halt the fighting, which will later be discussed with the United States.
Ukraine’s allies have sought to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Kyiv amid concerns that Trump may make concessions to Russia in ongoing negotiations. Starmer warmly welcomed Zelensky to London on Saturday, just a day after the Ukrainian leader was asked to leave the White House following a contentious meeting with Trump and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. The UK extended a £2.26-billion ($2.84 billion) loan to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, with repayment tied to the profits from immobilized Russian sovereign assets.
The London summit brings together key European leaders, including those from France, Germany, Denmark, and Italy, as well as representatives from NATO and the European Union. With concerns mounting over the U.S. commitment to NATO, the meeting is also expected to address Europe’s need to enhance its own defense cooperation. Zelensky, during his visit, is also scheduled to meet King Charles III.
Upon his arrival in London, Zelensky was greeted by supporters before heading to Downing Street for a private meeting with Starmer. The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude for Britain’s unwavering support since the war began. Both leaders discussed Ukraine’s strategic position and the need for a sustainable and just peace that would prevent Russia from using a ceasefire to rearm.
The discussions in London followed a dramatic confrontation at the White House, where Trump and Vance publicly accused Zelensky of being ungrateful and unwilling to accept their proposed ceasefire terms. Trump also warned that Zelensky’s stance could escalate the situation into a broader global conflict. In response, Zelensky insisted that Ukraine would not make compromises with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine has raised concerns among European allies. The new administration has positioned itself as a mediator between Putin and Zelensky, while sidelining European leaders. After recent meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and Starmer in Washington, Trump claimed progress had been made toward ending the conflict, describing the negotiations as being at a crucial stage.
Despite the tense exchange at the White House, Zelensky signaled that Ukraine remains open to discussions with the U.S. and is willing to consider agreements concerning its mineral wealth, a key interest of the Trump administration. He reaffirmed that Ukraine and the U.S. remain strategic partners but stressed the importance of direct and honest dialogue to align their objectives.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Trump’s approach, accusing him of reversing the roles of victim and aggressor in the conflict. She described the recent developments as marking the beginning of a new era of global instability.
Meanwhile, Moscow dismissed Zelensky’s Washington trip as a “complete failure.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated in an interview with Russian state television that the shift in U.S. foreign policy largely aligns with Russia’s own interests, signaling a potential realignment of power dynamics in the ongoing conflict.
Source: Linda Ikeji Blog