UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who hosted crisis talks in London on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, warned that European security faced a "once-in-a-generation moment". The summit ended with an agreement to keep military aid flowing and a commitment to peace talks.
Starmer says the Sunday summit ended with leaders agreeing to keep military aid flowing to Ukraine, calling for Ukraine to be at the table for any peace talks, and for the establishment of a "coalition of the willing" to defend Ukraine and guarantee peace in the country.
"Europe must do the heavy lifting' in Ukraine but to support peace in our continent, and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing," he said.
Starmer also announced a new deal allowing Ukraine to use £1.6 billion (€1.9 billion) of UK export finance to buy more than 5,000 air defence missiles.
Prevent future wars
Speaking to reporters outside Lancaster House after the summit, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said she would present a "comprehensive plan" at an EU summit Thursday, adding "we have to have a surge in defence" and "we have to step up massively".
"It's now of utmost importance we increase spending ... it's important we prepare for the worst," she added.
The leaders had a "good and frank discussion" and talked about the need for security guarantees, said the EU chief.
Addressing US President Donald Trump, she said: "We're ready together with you to defend democracy, to defend the principle that there's a rule of law, that you cannot invade your neighbour and bully your neighbour, or you cannot change borders with force".
"It's in our common interest that we prevent future wars," she added.
European allies rally behind Ukraine after White House clash
'Once in a generation moment'
This sentiment was echoed by NATO chief Mark Rutte; who said that "It was very good news that more European countries will ramp up defence spending".
He added that the US was committed to the transatlantic alliance despite frequent criticism by Trump.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also called for unity between Europe and the United States on Ukraine, saying he hoped an EU summit on Thursday would show Russia that the West "has no intention of capitulating".
"Everything must be done to ensure that Europe and the United States speak with one voice," he said. The upcoming summit should send a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin "that the West has no intention of capitulating before his blackmail and aggression".
At a press conference after the London summit, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked if he would contribute to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, to which, Trudeau replied: "Everything is on the table".
Avoid dividing the West
Eighteen allies gathered in London to discuss the key question of security guarantees for Ukraine, all the more pressing after Trump berated his Ukrainian counterpart in an unprecedented White House blow-up on Friday.
Their argument, played out in front of the world's news cameras, raised fears that Trump wants to force Kyiv into a peace deal giving Russian President Vladimir Putin what he wants while leaving Ukraine broken and insecure.
Speaking ahead of the summit in London, Starmer said "nobody wants to see" scenes like Zelensky and Trump's Oval Office clash.
UK, France working with Ukraine on plan to stop fighting: Starmer
On Sunday, sitting next to Zelensky in front of the flags of Ukraine and European nations, Starmer told him: "I hope you know that we are all with you and the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes. Everyone around this table."
Zelensky was embraced by some of the 18 other leaders, while protesters rallied outside the UK leader's home in support of Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who met Starmer in his Downing Street home prior to the summit said that it was "very, very important that we avoid the risk that the West divides".
(with AFP)
