Zelenskyy-Starmer meeting: What’s in UK PM’s four-point Ukraine peace plan?
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stepped in to rally European allies behind Ukraine following the fallout from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington. Starmer used a high-profile summit in London to push for a new plan to end Russia’s war, presenting a four-point strategy that aims to ensure long-term security for Ukraine and bolster European unity in the face of wavering US support.
The summit came just days after a tense meeting between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the White House, where Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of not showing enough “gratitude” for America’s support. The public exchange raised fresh doubts about Washington’s commitment to Ukraine, leaving European leaders scrambling to reaffirm their backing. With concerns mounting over Trump’s stance, Starmer positioned the UK as a leading force in shaping the West’s response to the ongoing conflict.
Addressing leaders from 18 nations, Starmer said that there is a need for Europe to take on a larger share of the responsibility, warning that the continent was at a crossroads. “This is not a moment for more talk—it’s time to act,” he declared. He further urged allies to unite behind a new vision for peace, one that would not only deter future aggression but also ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty remained intact.
His plan, developed in coordination with France and Ukraine, consists of four key points:
- Continued military aid to Kyiv and sustained economic pressure on Russia to strengthen Ukraine’s position.
- Ensuring Ukraine has a seat at the negotiating table and that any peace agreement upholds its sovereignty and security.
- Strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities post-conflict to deter any future Russian invasion.
- Establishing a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine and enforce the terms of a peace deal.
Starmer also announced that the UK would provide an additional £1.6 billion in export finance to help Ukraine procure over 5,000 air defence missiles. This follows a previous £2.2 billion loan aimed at increasing military assistance, backed by profits from frozen Russian assets. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the call for stronger defences, stating that Europe must now focus on “rearming” to secure long-term stability.
The London summit marked a major moment in Europe’s response to the war, particularly as tensions rise over Trump’s evolving position. His criticism of Zelenskyy, coupled with his reluctance to offer security guarantees, has left European leaders questioning whether they can continue relying on US leadership. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who maintains close ties with Trump while supporting Ukraine, called for European unity, warning that “dividing the West would be disastrous.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, who co-developed the plan with Starmer, has also proposed a one-month truce as an initial step towards peace. However, he stressed that any negotiations must be backed by concrete measures to prevent further Russian aggression.
While Starmer acknowledged the need for strong US backing, he insisted that Europe could no longer afford to be passive. “If there is to be peace, it must be defended.”
