We’re at a “Crossroads in History,” the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer says, “It is time to act.” A four-step plan which was announced had been discussed at the Lancaster House meeting. On Sunday, with the intention of putting an actionable end to the Russia-Ukraine war, a plan was created, with Europe leading the execution with backing by the US. President Trump’s intense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House resulted in an emergency summit being held for discussions aimed at peace and security for Ukraine. The countries at the summit comprised of Poland, France, Turkey, Sweden, Norway, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, Italy, Canada, and Spain.
There was an emphasis for involvement of the US in Europe’s plight to do the “heavy lifting.” In a press conference on Sunday, Keir Starmer told the press, “Through my discussions over recent days, we've agreed that the U.K., France and others will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting.”
The proposal was outlined to focus on rigorous support for Ukraine by loaning 2.26 billion British pounds. He further stated that the funds would be from the profits collected from Russia’s frozen assets. Ukraine will also be given the ability to indulge in UK’s export finance (1.6 million pounds) to acquire more than 5,000 air defence missiles. A “coalition of the willing” would also be created for long-term defence to ultimately keep Ukraine’s sovereignty with the help of countries willing to participate, and choose to be involved. The coalition would rely on the involvement of the US, hence Starmer said, “That is why I spoke to President Trump last night before we develop the work on this plan." Despite what unravelled in the White House, where Trump told President Volodymyr that he was being ungrateful, Starmer was firm on his standing that the US is a reliable ally. "The U. S. has been a reliable ally to the U.K. for many, many decades and continues to be."
"The way to ensure that stability is to ensure that we are able to defend a deal in Ukraine, because the one thing our history tells us is that if there is conflict in Europe, it will wash up on our shores."
The summit was followed by Zelensky’s trip to Sandringham where he met King Charles III. He disclosed his readiness to sign a deal with the US at a final press briefing. Ukraine had been expected to sign this deal, which would allow the US access to the rare mineral reserves in Ukraine, which was supposed to take place during Zelensky’s meeting with Trump in Washington. On Sunday, Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary said that a deal on minerals could not be signed with Ukraine until a peace deal was made with Russia.
Zelensky’s meeting with Trump was met with the accusation that Ukraine had started the war, although the full-scale invasion was launched by Russia.
However, when Zelensky was questioned about the deal after the summit (by the BBC), he said the deal was prepared to be signed.
Trump’s peace talks with Vladimir Putin have rather resulted in uneasiness in Europe. Starmer told the BBC that he does not trust Putin. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said, “We have to put Ukraine in a position of strength so that it has the means to fortify itself and to protect itself.”
“It’s basically turning Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders.”