Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the West stands at a “crossroads in history” as he addressed European leaders at a crucial summit in London on Sunday, March 2.
The gathering at Lancaster House aimed to assert Europe’s leadership in negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war, presenting a unified stance amid a deteriorating relationship between Kyiv and Washington. “This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act,” Starmer urged following a day marked by intense diplomacy. European leaders sought to navigate a path toward a ceasefire in Ukraine, underlining the need for swift and decisive action.
Zelensky, alongside a host of European leaders, attended the summit at a time of deep unease over the war. Starmer emphasised the continued necessity of American support despite recent strains, defending the US as “not an unreliable ally.” His reassurance came after Trump’s confrontation with Zelensky, which left European leaders scrambling to restore momentum toward peace.
The summit underscored Europe’s commitment to playing a proactive role in peace talks, countering perceptions that the continent was merely a bystander. “A deal will have to involve Russia, of course it will,” Starmer noted. “But we can’t approach this on the basis that Russia dictates the terms of any security guarantee before we’ve even got to a deal.”
The UK and France have been working to form a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine if a peace deal is reached. “If a deal is done, it has to be a deal that is then defended,” Starmer said.
Zelensky praised the summit on social media, calling Europe’s unity “exceptionally high.” He proposed that any potential peace deal should begin with a prisoner exchange and the return of children, which he said would “demonstrate Russia’s true intention for peace.”
In a symbolic gesture, Zelensky also met with King Charles III at Sandringham. The Ukrainian leader received a warm welcome from both Starmer and the king in stark contrast to his reception in Washington.
Trump and Senator JD Vance had accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for US military support and of risking “World War III” by continuing to resist Russia’s invasion. These comments rattled Europe, prompting Starmer to launch immediate diplomatic efforts to mend relations.
On the economic front, Britain announced accelerated loans to Ukraine worth $2.8 billion, with the first funds expected to be released next week. Additionally, Starmer unveiled a new agreement on Sunday allowing Ukraine to use £1.6 billion ($2 billion) of UK export finance to purchase over 5,000 advanced air defense missiles from Belfast.
Addressing the summit, Starmer stressed the gravity of the situation, “We gather here today because this is a once-in-a-generation moment for the security of Europe, and we all need to step up.”
The meeting focused on Ukraine’s immediate needs, securing a lasting peace agreement, and planning robust security guarantees. Starmer reassured Zelensky stating, “We are all with you and the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and leaders from the EU, NATO, and several European nations participated in the talks. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasised the importance of preventing a rift within the West over the Ukraine war. Both Meloni and Starmer, who maintain close ties with Trump, are expected to leverage their influence to bring the US on board with Europe’s peace proposals.
Earlier last week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron met with US President Donald Trump, pressing him to clarify America’s position on Ukraine. The call for transparency came after Trump’s administration excluded Ukraine and Europe from negotiations with Russia and blocked United Nations resolutions condemning the invasion.
