Europe Must Lead on Ukraine Aid, Says UK PM Amid Defense Package Announcement
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged European nations to assume greater responsibility in supporting Ukraine during a high-stakes summit in London, while emphasizing continued U.S. backing as critical to securing lasting peace. The meeting, attended by European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, came days after heightened U.S.-Ukraine tensions under President Donald Trump.
A Four-Pillar Plan for Peace
Starmer outlined a multinational strategy focused on military support, economic stabilization, diplomatic coordination, and postwar reconstruction. The UK pledged $2 billion in export finance for Ukraine to acquire over 5,000 air defense missiles, marking one of London’s largest commitments since the conflict began.
Transatlantic Unity in Focus
\"Europe must do the heavy lifting,\" Starmer stated, \"but this effort cannot succeed without strong U.S. support to defend peace on our shared continent.\" His remarks follow Zelenskyy’s unusually public criticism of Trump’s approach to the war during a recent Washington visit.
Diplomatic Momentum Builds
Zelenskyy’s post-summit meeting with King Charles III at Sandringham Estate underscored Ukraine’s push for sustained Western engagement. Analysts suggest the London talks reflect growing European urgency to institutionalize support mechanisms ahead of potential political shifts in Washington.
