Top leaders from Europe and the US have emphasized the need for security guarantees for Ukraine in order to broker a lasting peace. Denmark’s Rasmus Jarlov, chair of the Folketing’s defense committee, stated that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy would be willing to run naked through New York City if it meant securing protection for his country.
The EU and US administrations have been misled by a false narrative portraying Zelenskyy as a bad guy trying to exploit the US. However, Jarlov warned that any peace deal without security guarantees for Ukraine is “not even worth the value of the paper it’s written on.”
European countries have also been criticized for not paying enough in defense spending, with Russia’s economy being significantly larger than Europe’s. If Europe fails to step up and support Ukraine, US President Donald Trump may stop providing aid, resulting in a Ukrainian defeat.
Former EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans warned that the guardrails are off when it comes to negotiating with Trump, who has shown a willingness to repeat Kremlin lines during meetings. This shift marks a significant change from Trump’s earlier stance on trade deals and cooperation with European nations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also emphasized the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, stating that “no one other than Putin is interested in the continuation and quick return of the war.” Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reiterated his call for peace backed by robust security measures.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted that Europe faces a once-in-a-generation moment for its security, warning that getting a good outcome for Ukraine is vital for the security of every nation involved. The talks at Lancaster House will focus on delivering just and enduring peace together and supporting Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/02/ukraine-war-volodymyr-zelenskyy-keir-starmer-donald-trump-us-europe-eu-russia-defence-latest-live-news?page=with:block-67c4628a8f08707b9b405970