European leaders to draft Ukraine peace plan to present to US, says Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that European leaders had reached an agreement to draft a Ukraine peace proposal to present to the United States. This move is seen as crucial for securing Washington’s commitment to providing security guarantees that Kyiv argues are essential to deter Russia.

The announcement followed a high-profile summit in London, just two days after Volodymyr Zelenskiy had a tense exchange with US President Donald Trump and cut short his visit to Washington. European leaders gathered to reaffirm their support for Ukraine and pledged to enhance their efforts in assisting the war-torn nation.

Recognising the need to demonstrate Europe’s ability to defend itself, leaders also acknowledged the necessity of increasing defence spending—an effort that could persuade Trump to back a US security guarantee for Ukraine. With many European nations already facing budgetary constraints, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested easing the bloc’s debt rules to allow for more military investment.

Welcoming Zelenskiy with a warm embrace, Starmer revealed that Britain, France, Ukraine, and other unnamed nations would form a "coalition of the willing" to craft a peace plan for Trump’s consideration. "We are at a historic crossroads," Starmer stated. "This is not the time for more debate. It is time to act, to lead, and to unite behind a new vision for a just and lasting peace."

Following Trump’s heated argument with Zelenskiy in the Oval Office, concerns grew over the possibility of the US withdrawing its support for Ukraine and instead imposing a peace deal negotiated with Russia. In response, European leaders have scrambled to prevent Kyiv from being sidelined in future discussions.

To bolster their position, several European leaders emphasised the need for greater defence spending. "After years of underinvestment, it is now critically important to ramp up defence spending for the long term," von der Leyen told reporters. "Europe must become an impenetrable force—like a steel porcupine—ensuring it is unassailable to potential aggressors."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed the sentiment, stating that European nations must take greater responsibility for their own security and contribute more to NATO. However, he emphasised that strong ties with the US must remain a priority.

Shortfalls in military resources

Despite Europe’s intent to assert its defensive capabilities, its military resources remain far weaker than those of the US. Consequently, discussions with Washington have focused on securing American support in the form of intelligence, surveillance, and a potential "backstop" for a European peacekeeping initiative. However, securing Trump’s approval is likely to depend on European nations demonstrating a serious commitment to increasing defence spending.

Starmer had already pledged additional defence spending ahead of his recent Washington visit. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that some European leaders had quietly presented new military investment plans, though he declined to disclose details.

'Uncomfortable' confrontation

Trump’s return to the White House in January has significantly shifted US policy on the war, creating uncertainty over Washington’s military and diplomatic support for Ukraine and Europe. His outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin and exclusion of Ukraine from key negotiations have raised concerns about the future of Western backing for Kyiv.

Tensions between Trump and Zelenskiy culminated in a public clash at the Oval Office, where the former US president berated the Ukrainian leader for not showing enough gratitude for American military aid. Starmer, who watched the exchange, described it as "uncomfortable viewing" but remained committed to acting as a bridge between Europe and Washington.

In a show of solidarity, Zelenskiy later travelled to meet King Charles III at his private residence in eastern England.

Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz suggested in a CNN interview that Washington may seek a Ukrainian leader willing to negotiate a lasting peace with Russia—implying doubts about whether Zelenskiy is prepared to do so.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomed Trump’s approach, accusing European nations of prolonging the war by backing Zelenskiy. "[They] are trying to prop him up with their bayonets disguised as peacekeeping forces," Lavrov claimed.

Despite the uncertainty, Starmer insisted that Sunday’s summit had reinforced Europe’s commitment to ensuring Ukraine remains at the negotiating table. "Europe must take the lead, but for lasting peace on our continent, this effort must be backed by strong US support," he said at a press conference.