British Prime Minister Keir Starmer led a virtual meeting with European allies on Sunday, setting the stage for a critical White House summit where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet US President Donald Trump to address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as co-hosts of the "Coalition of the Willing," Starmer emphasized Europe’s unified support for Ukraine ahead of Monday’s high-stakes talks.
The coalition, formed to bolster Ukraine’s security, comes in response to Trump’s recent Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which ended without a ceasefire agreement. Starmer praised Trump’s efforts, stating they have “brought us closer than ever to ending Russia’s illegal war,” but insisted that “peace cannot be decided without Zelenskyy.” He underscored the need for robust security guarantees to deter further Russian aggression, vowing to intensify sanctions that have already crippled Russia’s economy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced she will join Zelenskyy in Washington, alongside Macron, Merz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, signaling a united European front. This collective presence aims to prevent a repeat of February’s tense Oval Office clash between Zelenskyy and Trump, ensuring Europe’s voice shapes any potential peace deal.
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The coalition’s leaders rejected Putin’s reported demand, noted by The Financial Times, that Ukraine cede the Donbas region to freeze the conflict along current frontlines. “Russia cannot dictate Ukraine’s future or veto its EU and NATO aspirations,” Starmer declared, emphasizing that international borders must remain inviolable. The leaders reiterated that Ukraine’s armed forces face no limitations in cooperating with allies, and any deal must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Starmer’s proactive stance reflects Europe’s determination to counterbalance Trump’s unpredictable approach, especially after the US temporarily suspended intelligence sharing with Kyiv earlier this year. The coalition, comprising over 30 nations including Canada, Australia, and Turkey, is also preparing a peacekeeping force to enforce any future agreement, with the UK and France pledging troops and air support. However, Trump’s hesitation to commit US military backing remains a hurdle, with the White House expecting Europe to lead post-war security efforts.
Zelenskyy, who endorsed a proposed 30-day ceasefire, stressed the need for “constructive dialogue” with Trump to secure lasting peace. He warned that Putin’s conditions risk undermining Ukraine’s position, a concern echoed by Macron, who noted Russia’s lack of sincere peace efforts. The coalition’s plan includes continued military aid, with the UK announcing a £1.6 billion deal for Ukraine to purchase 5,000 air defense missiles, funded by frozen Russian assets.
As Zelenskyy prepares for Washington, European leaders are intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure Ukraine negotiates from strength. “This is a defining moment for Europe’s security,” Starmer said, urging allies to ramp up defense spending to support Ukraine and deter future Russian aggression. The coalition’s united front aims to bridge tensions between Zelenskyy and Trump, ensuring a just and enduring peace.
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