The plan, announced after a summit of 18 leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, seeks to unite European nations and the United States in a “coalition of the willing” to provide robust support to Ukraine
In a significant move to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a comprehensive four-point plan aimed at ending the war and defending Ukraine from further Russian aggression. The plan, announced after a summit of 18 leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, seeks to unite European nations and the United States in a “coalition of the willing” to provide robust support to Ukraine.
“We are at a crossroads in history today,” Prime Minister Starmer declared, highlighting the urgency and importance of the situation. The summit, which brought together leaders from across Europe, demonstrated a level of unity not seen for many years, according to President Zelensky, who expressed his gratitude for the “strong support” received.
The announcement comes just two days after a tense exchange between President Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House. Despite the recent diplomatic friction, Zelensky reiterated the importance of European cooperation with the United States, stating, “We are all working together in Europe in order to find a basis for cooperation with America for a true peace and guaranteed security.”
Prime Minister Starmer outlined the four key points agreed upon by the leaders:
Sustained Military Aid and Economic Pressure
The first point involves maintaining and increasing military aid to Ukraine while intensifying economic pressure on Russia. This commitment underscores the necessity of continued support to ensure Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian forces.
Ukraine’s Sovereignty and Security
Any lasting peace agreement must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, with Ukraine’s presence being a prerequisite in all peace negotiations. This point underscores the importance of Ukraine having a direct say in its future and the terms of any potential peace deal.
Enhanced Defensive Capabilities
In the event of a peace agreement, efforts will be made to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities to deter any future invasions. This measure aims to provide Ukraine with the means to protect itself in the long term, ensuring that peace is not merely a temporary respite.
Coalition of the Willing
The fourth point involves developing a “coalition of the willing” to defend and guarantee peace in Ukraine. This coalition will work to ensure that any peace deal is robust and backed by international support, preventing future breaches. In a further show of commitment, Prime Minister Starmer announced an additional £1.6bn ($2bn) of UK export finance to purchase over 5,000 air defence missiles. This financial support complements the existing £2.2bn loan provided to Ukraine, which is backed by profits from frozen Russian assets. The funds will be used to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities, ensuring it can effectively defend its airspace.
“We have to learn from the mistakes of the past,” Starmer emphasized. “We cannot accept a weak deal which Russia can breach with ease. Instead, any deal must be backed by strength.” The Prime Minister did not specify which countries had agreed to join the coalition but stressed that those who had committed would intensify their planning with urgency.
The UK, according to Starmer, would back its commitment with “boots on the ground, and planes in the air,” highlighting the nation’s readiness to provide tangible support. He also underscored the need for Europe to take the lead in this effort, stating, “Europe must do the heavy lifting,” while acknowledging the necessity of US backing and the inclusion of Russia in the peace process. However, he was clear that Moscow could not be allowed to dictate terms.
Addressing concerns about the reliability of the US as an ally under President Trump, Starmer stated, “Nobody wanted to see what happened last Friday, but I do not accept that the US is an unreliable ally.” He reiterated the shared goal of achieving a durable peace, emphasizing the need for collective action.
As the international community navigates this complex and critical situation, the four-point plan proposed by Prime Minister Starmer offers a structured approach to achieving lasting peace and security in Ukraine. The success of this plan will depend on the cooperation and commitment of all involved nations, as well as the willingness to learn from past mistakes and ensure that any peace agreement is both strong and enduring.
