ADVERTISEMENT

European leaders have agreed to “do the heavy lifting” to protect their continent following a London gathering to discuss ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

British PM Keir Starmer stated that a peace agreement to end the Ukraine conflict would need US backing, and reiterated his commitment to British troops participating as part of a potential peacekeeping force in any future settlement.

Starmer and other leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, are forming a “coalition of the willing,” comprising European countries willing to deploy peacekeeping troops to secure Ky
iv.

The UK plans to utilize £1.6 billion in export financing to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air defense missiles, bolstering its defenses.

This European support comes after a contentious meeting between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump that resulted in a public argument, leaving much of the world in shock.

This also provoked uncertainty in Europe, as they have been questioning their security following the new Trump administration’s highly critical foreign policy stance, which has alienated many traditional allies, including those across the Atlantic.

The meeting ended with Trump instructing his aides to ask Zelenskyy to leave the White House abruptly, after accusing him of being ungrateful and not committed to pursuing peace with Russia.

Additionally, the Trump administration has reportedly been considering entirely cutting support to Ukraine, both financial and military, following a potential ultimatum that could force Kyiv to either work toward ending the war or fight alone.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy stressed the importance of Western unity. To mend frayed relations between longtime allies strained by the Ukraine conflict, the Italian premier suggested hosting a summit between European leaders and the US.

Meloni commented that Zelenskyy was “very clear, rational as always” in their London meeting, expressing support for the Ukrainian leader following his dispute with Trump, who together with US VP JD Vance, publicly denounced and belittled him.

She noted that she sees someone who desires to “seek solutions” and continue working on “finding ways to end the tragedy” in his country through Zelenskyy.

The Italian leader emphasized that Italy, Europe, NATO, and the United States share the same goal: achieving a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. She also urged prioritizing unity, warning that a division in the West would be “fatal for everyone,” particularly Ukraine.

“The only thing we truly cannot afford is a peace that does not last, Ukraine cannot afford it, Europe cannot afford it, and the United States cannot afford it.”

“God forbid, everything could explode, which isn’t good news. So, everything I can do to maintain a united West and strengthen it, I will,” Meloni added.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also participated in the meeting. Following the Trump spat, Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its embattled leader Zelenskyy.

Trudeau has faced issues of his own with the 47th US president, as relations between Washington and Ottawa have strained since Trump’s return to office.

Prior to assuming office, Trump had threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian products, accusing his northern neighbors (and southern in Mexico) of being responsible for the flow of illegitimate migrants and Fentanyl into the US.

After taking office, he followed through on the threats by imposing a 25% tariff on both Canada and Mexico. In response, Canada retaliated with its own tariffs on US products, risking a potential global trade war.

The tariffs were later postponed after Canada and Mexico agreed to increase border control with the US but could be reinstated at any time.

Following the Oval Office incident, Trudeau defended Zelenskyy, supporting the Ukrainian president’s concerns about Putin’s reliability.

“On Friday in the Oval Office, President Zelenskyy essentially said that Vladimir Putin is a liar and a criminal and cannot be trusted to keep his word in any shape, form or manner, as he has consistently demonstrated a pattern of breaking agreements. I stand with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and with the people of Ukraine.”

Further talks are expected involving European leaders to discuss the ongoing Ukraine conflict and devise strategies to end the fighting. A special European Council session has been convened in Brussels to address ongoing support for Kyiv and broader European defense concerns.