European Leaders Converge in London to Draft Ukraine Ceasefire Plan

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that Britain, France, and Ukraine will collaborate on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States, as part of efforts to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. This announcement came during a summit of European leaders held at Lancaster House, focusing on strategies to reinforce support for Ukraine amidst deteriorating U.S.-Ukraine relations.

The summit, occurring on March 2, 2025, was notably influenced by President Donald Trump‘s public rebuke of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just days earlier. According to Starmer, the aim of the meeting is to re-establish communication with Trump while forming a coalition to negotiate peace. “We’ve now agreed that the United Kingdom, along with France and possibly one or two others, will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting,” he stated during a BBC interview.

Starmer emphasized the importance of providing security guarantees from the U.S. as part of any agreement to ensure it is durable. “If there is to be a deal, if there is to be a stopping of the fighting, then that agreement has to be defended. The worst of all outcomes is that there is a temporary pause and then (Russian President Vladimir) Putin comes again,” he said.

The summit is set against a backdrop of heightened anxiety among European leaders regarding Trump’s potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. This has left many countries worried that their longstanding support for Ukraine could wane. Several leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have openly called for increased military spending and support for Ukraine.

Starmer also announced a £2.2 billion loan (approximately $2.7 billion) for Ukraine backed by profits from frozen Russian assets, affirming that military support from Europe will continue as negotiations progress. “We stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take,” Starmer asserted in a statement.

Zelenskyy, who participated in the meeting, expressed appreciation for European solidarity while stressing the need for a united front. “We feel strong support for Ukraine, for our people — both soldiers and civilians, and our independence,” he commented, highlighting ongoing discussions for security guarantees and a just peace.

The London meeting included leaders from various European nations and was attended by NATO‘s Secretary-General and representatives from the European Commission and Council. Discussions centered not only on immediate military and economic support for Ukraine but also on establishing a European military force to help underpin any ceasefire agreement.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala echoed the sentiment that Europe must take increased responsibility for its own security. “If we don’t increase our effort fast enough and allow the aggressor to dictate its conditions, we won’t end up well.” Other European leaders also voiced concerns over the need for a cohesive strategy to deter future aggression from Russia.

Ultimately, the summit exemplified an urgent push by European leaders to solidify their commitment to Ukraine’s defense, reinforcing the message that the war’s resolution is paramount to the continent’s security. Zelenskyy’s presence and the backing of European leaders provide a renewed sense of determination to work towards a lasting peace and stability in the region.