Starmer Calls for Europe’s Solidarity on Ukraine Peace Efforts

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged European leaders to step up their support for Ukraine as part of a plan to end Russia’s war. The meeting, attended by 18 leaders from Europe and several other countries, agreed on four key steps: maintaining economic pressure on Russia, ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, arming Ukraine to deter future invasion, and developing a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine.

Starmer emphasized that every nation must contribute to the effort in its best way possible. He also stressed that the UK is prepared to provide military support to Ukraine, including air defense missiles worth £2 billion.

European leaders have long been divided on how to approach Russia’s actions in Ukraine, with some calling for more diplomatic efforts and others advocating for a stronger response. The meeting was seen as an attempt to bridge this divide and strengthen cooperation between Europe and the US.

Starmer’s plan is based on a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron, who suggested a “truce in the air, on the seas, and energy infrastructures” lasting a month. However, it remains unclear whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept any such plan, which requires strong US backing.

The meeting comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high, with no clear end in sight to the conflict. European leaders must now decide how to proceed with their support for Ukraine, balancing competing interests and diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-britain-zelenskyy-europe-starmer-trump-russia-b980170ead74a1a7914c565f14ee6cc9