Europe supports Ukraine with a new initiative led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to end the war and secure lasting peace. Starmer gathered 18 European leaders in a high-stakes summit, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to form a “coalition of the willing.” His goal? To strengthen military aid, increase pressure on Russia, and ensure Ukraine’s security for the future.
Europe Supports Ukraine with Military and Economic Backing
During the summit, Starmer outlined a four-point plan:
- Keep military aid flowing to Ukraine and ramp up economic pressure on Russia.
- Ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and include Kyiv in all peace talks.
- Strengthen Ukraine’s defenses in case of future attacks.
- Build a coalition to enforce any future peace deal.
To back up these promises, the UK pledged an extra £1.6 billion ($2 billion) to help Ukraine buy over 5,000 air defense missiles. This comes on top of a £2.2 billion loan, funded by frozen Russian assets, to boost military aid.
A Divided West: Tensions with Trump
The summit followed a tense meeting between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Reports suggest Trump accused Ukraine of “gambling with World War Three” and even suggested that Kyiv started the war—despite Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Adding to the divide, Trump has pushed for direct peace talks with Russia—without involving Ukraine. In contrast, Starmer and other European leaders insist that Ukraine must be part of any deal. French President Emmanuel Macron also called for a one-month ceasefire to protect air, sea, and energy infrastructure.
Europe Supports Ukraine, But Needs U.S. Backing
While Europe is stepping up, leaders acknowledge that U.S. support remains critical. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Ukraine must be ready to “stay in the fight as long as it has to.” Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the urgent need to “re-arm Europe.”
After the summit, Zelensky met with King Charles III and confirmed that Ukraine is ready to sign a rare minerals deal with the U.S. However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has hinted that Washington may hold off until a peace deal with Russia is reached.
As the war rages on, Europe is taking the lead. But the question remains—will the U.S. fully commit, or will Europe have to stand alone?
