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London – The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer demonstratively sided with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “We all stand by you,” said the host during a summit of Western heads of state and government two days after the unprecedented rift between US President Donald Trump and Zelensky. The decision: A new peace plan for a ceasefire in Ukraine should be developed without the USA for the time being.
“We have agreed that the United Kingdom, France, and others will work with Ukraine on a plan to end the fighting,” said Starmer after the summit meeting. “Then we will discuss this plan with the United States and drive it forward together.”
Britain and France had already signaled their willingness several times to provide soldiers for a peacekeeping force.
When asked what contribution Germany would make, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz was evasive after the consultations. Ukraine must become militarily strong enough not to be attacked again, said the SPD politician. “This will be crucial for the future.” A new parliament was elected in Germany on February 23. The conservative CDU emerged as the strongest party, and its chairman Friedrich Merz is expected to become the next German Chancellor.
“At a crossroads” – EU special summit on Thursday
Starmer warned emphatically that Europe was “at a crossroads” in history. It was time to act, to take responsibility, and to show leadership. At the same time, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of continuing to have the support of the USA. Zelensky had been warmly welcomed by Starmer in London. The Ukrainian also met the British King Charles III.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for strengthening military capacities in the EU. “We urgently need to rearm Europe,” said von der Leyen. Therefore, she wanted to present a comprehensive plan for the rearming of Europe to the heads of state and government at a special summit in Brussels on Thursday.
When asked about her message to the USA, von der Leyen replied: “We are ready to jointly defend democracy and the rule of law, that one cannot invade and bully one’s neighbors or change borders by force.” It is in the common interest to prevent future wars, to make it clear that these rules count and that democracies will jointly stand up for them.
Scholz called for not accepting Russia’s perspective. “Russia has always aimed to establish a government in Ukraine that dances to Russia’s tune, this cannot be accepted,” Scholz said. Ukraine is a European country that has decided it wants to join the European Union and is a democratic and sovereign nation. “That must remain so,” said Scholz.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has good contacts in the Trump camp, called for unity after the meeting. “We must be brave in this phase to not divide the West. Because that would be fatal for everyone.”
The scandal in the Oval Office
The summit meeting at Lancaster House was initially planned as one of several on the Ukraine war. However, the scandal in Washington on Friday made the situation particularly explosive. Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance sharply reprimanded Zelensky in front of the world public and subjected him to heavy accusations. The talks were broken off, Zelensky left the White House prematurely.
“No one wants to see that,” said Starmer about the images from the USA. That is why he picked up the phone and spoke to those involved. “My drive was to bridge this somewhat and refocus us on the central issue,” said Starmer.
The Prime Minister wants to pave the way for concrete security guarantees for Ukraine. A possible ceasefire agreement must not be a paper tiger but should be able to be guaranteed militarily if necessary. “We will continue to develop a coalition of the willing to defend an agreement in Ukraine and guarantee peace,” said Starmer. “Not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that must not mean we lean back.”
USA refuses to commit to security guarantees
Trump had so far not been persuaded to make a commitment to security guarantees despite all of Starmer’s charm offensives and visits from French President Emmanuel Macron to Washington. Instead, Trump declared several times that a planned raw materials deal with Ukraine would lead to the US being on-site in Ukraine, but not militarily. That was enough of a security guarantee. The deal did not materialize due to the scandal.
“We agree with the President that there is an urgent need for lasting peace. Now we must act together,” said Starmer. Trump did not comment on the Ukraine issue over the weekend, he had flown to Florida on Friday after the clash with Zelensky.
London wants to further strengthen Ukrainian air defense
Ukraine has been defending itself for three years with Western support against an attack war ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Britain is providing further military aid to Ukraine: Ukraine will receive 1.6 billion pounds (around 1.9 billion euros) from the UK’s export financing to purchase more than 5,000 LMM-type anti-aircraft missiles, which are manufactured in the Northern Irish city of Belfast, as announced by Starmer. (March 2)