LONDON, UK — In a move to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that European leaders have agreed to draft a comprehensive peace plan to present to the United States.
The initiative comes as Kyiv seeks vital security guarantees to deter further Russian aggression, and amid growing concerns over Washington’s commitment to the cause.
The announcement followed a high-stakes summit in London, where European leaders offered a robust show of solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The gathering took place just days after Zelenskiy’s contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, which ended abruptly amid heated exchanges.
Starmer, who greeted a visibly shaken Zelenskiy with a warm embrace, emphasized the urgency of the moment.
“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,” he declared.
The proposed peace plan, still lacking in detail, is expected to include a one-month ceasefire covering air and sea attacks, though ground combat would reportedly continue.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who first floated the idea, suggested that European troops could be deployed if a broader agreement is reached.
However, it remains unclear whether all nations have signed off on the terms.
Zelenskiy, who described the summit as a success, said he left London with “Europe’s clear support” and a shared readiness to cooperate.
“There will be diplomacy for the sake of peace,” he said in his nightly video address. “And for the sake of us all being together—Ukraine, all of Europe, and definitely, definitely America.”
The push for a European-led peace plan reflects growing unease over Trump’s unpredictable stance on Ukraine.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has repeatedly questioned U.S. support for Kyiv, while cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
His recent comments on social media, accusing Europe of being overrun by “migrant rape gangs” and “drug lords,” further underscored the widening rift between Washington and its traditional allies.
European leaders are now scrambling to ensure that Kyiv remains central to any peace negotiations.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stressed the need for increased defence spending to bolster Europe’s credibility.
“After a long time of underinvestment, it is now of utmost importance to step up defence investment for a prolonged period of time,” she said.
Von der Leyen also vowed to turn Ukraine into a “steel porcupine” that would be “indigestible for potential invaders.”
The urgency of the situation was highlighted by Europe’s current lack of weaponry and ammunition stocks compared to the U.S.
European leaders hope to convince Trump that the continent can defend itself, but they acknowledge that any lasting peace deal will require American backing.
Starmer, who recently increased the UK’s defence budget, positioned himself as a potential mediator between Europe and the U.S.
He described the Oval Office clash between Zelenskiy and Trump as “uncomfortable viewing” but expressed optimism about moving forward.
“Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and to succeed, this effort must have strong U.S. backing,” he said.
As the diplomatic efforts intensify, Zelenskiy remains steadfast in his refusal to cede Ukrainian territory to Russia.
He also expressed hope that his relationship with Trump could be salvaged, though he acknowledged that future talks would need to take place behind closed doors.
The London summit marks a critical juncture in the three-year-old conflict, with Europe taking a more assertive role in shaping the path to peace.
Whether the proposed plan will gain traction in Washington, however, remains to be seen.
For now, Zelenskiy and his European allies are determined to keep Ukraine at the forefront of the global agenda—with or without Trump’s support.
As the sun set on the summit, Zelenskiy flew to eastern England for a meeting with King Charles, a symbolic gesture of Britain’s unwavering support.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised Trump’s “common sense” approach, accusing Europe of prolonging the conflict.
The road to peace is fraught with challenges, but for now, Europe is stepping up—ready to lead, but keenly aware that success will require a united front, both at home and across the Atlantic.
