COALITION OF THE WILLING!! Europe Unites to End Ukraine War At London Summit

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Europe to a “crossroads in history” on Sunday, hosting a summit in London to rally world leaders toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron by his side, Starmer pledged £1.6 billion ($2 billion USD) for 5,000 air defense missiles to bolster Kyiv, as U.S. support falters under President Donald Trump.

The meeting at Lancaster House came days after Trump’s public rebuke of Zelenskyy on February 28, casting doubt on America’s role in the conflict. Leaders from Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Romania were at the summit. The Turkish foreign minister, NATO secretary-general and the presidents of the European Commission and European Council were also in attendance. “Conflict in Europe washes up on our shores,” Starmer warned, pushing for a peace plan backed by a “coalition of the willing” to enforce a ceasefire.

Starmer’s strategy hinges on three pillars: arming Ukraine for strength in talks, deploying European troops as peacekeepers, and securing a U.S. “backstop” to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin. He trusts Trump’s stated desire for peace but not Putin’s intentions, citing Russia’s “relentless aggression.” The plan may tap €200 billion ($207 billion USD) in frozen Russian assets, though details are pending.

Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy—calling him ungrateful and falsely blaming Ukraine for the war—followed his direct talks with Putin, alarming Europe. Starmer, fresh from a Washington charm offensive, aims to bridge the gap, but Trump’s neutral stance and refusal to commit security guarantees have spurred Europe to act.

Zelenskyy found solid footing in London, embraced by Starmer and backed by leaders like Germany’s Olaf Scholz. Yet, with U.S. support waning, Europe’s stepping up—Starmer pledged to hike UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, echoed by calls from Macron and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala for more investment. “We should have woken up earlier,” Macron said.

Success depends on unifying Europe and coaxing Trump into a supporting role. Without U.S. heft, deterring Putin remains a gamble. For now, Starmer’s summit has rallied European resolve and bought Zelenskyy time, but a lasting peace hinges on the unpredictable dynamics of Washington, Moscow, and Ukraine’s frontlines. With Inputs from AP/PTI.