Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed Parliament on Monday, outlining the UK’s pivotal role in securing peace for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Following a European summit he hosted in London over the weekend, Starmer emphasized a united front across the House of Commons, with even the Opposition Conservatives commending his efforts to rally EU leaders into a “coalition of the willing.” This comes against the backdrop of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s tense White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, a clash Starmer called regrettable but not a threat to the “indispensable” UK-US alliance.

Starmer pledged Britain’s leadership in the peace process, hinting at potential military involvement—“boots on the ground and planes in the air”—if needed, alongside allies. However, he stressed that US support remains critical. “We must strengthen our relationship with America, for our security, technology, trade, and investment,” he told MPs, rejecting any notion of choosing between Atlantic allies.

The summit yielded a four-point UK plan: engaging Ukraine in talks, sustaining military aid, enhancing its defenses, and forming a coalition to enforce a peace deal. While details are still being finalized, Starmer announced a GBP 2.26 billion loan for Ukraine’s weapons and reconstruction, plus GBP 1.6 billion for missiles. UK Defence Secretary John Healey will soon visit the US to secure American backing for a unified European peace strategy.

Zelenskyy praised Europe’s firm support, while reiterating the need for US security guarantees in any deal with Russia. “We need peace, not endless war,” he said, expressing gratitude for international backing that bolsters Ukraine’s resilience. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the UK and France are collaborating on a plan to halt the fighting, setting the stage for broader discussions with the US