Britain and France are working with Ukraine on a plan to end the fighting with Russia, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday, March 2, as European leaders met for crisis talks following a tense exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking ahead of a London summit attended by over a dozen European leaders, Starmer stressed the need for global cooperation, stating that after three years of conflict, a path to lasting peace must be found. He confirmed that the UK, alongside France and possibly other allies, is working with Ukraine on a plan to halt the fighting, which will later be discussed with the United States.
Ukraine’s allies have reaffirmed their commitment to Kyiv amid concerns that Trump may make concessions to Russia in ongoing negotiations. Starmer welcomed Zelensky to London on Saturday, a day after the Ukrainian leader left the White House following a contentious meeting with Trump and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. The UK has extended a £2.26-billion ($2.84 billion) loan to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, with repayment tied to profits from immobilized Russian sovereign assets.
The London summit brings together key European leaders, including those from France, Germany, Denmark, and Italy, as well as NATO and EU representatives. With growing concerns over U.S. commitment to NATO, discussions are expected to focus on strengthening Europe’s defense cooperation. Zelensky is also scheduled to meet King Charles III during his visit.
Upon his arrival in London, Zelensky was greeted by supporters before meeting Starmer at Downing Street. He expressed gratitude for Britain’s steadfast support since the war began. Both leaders discussed Ukraine’s strategic position and the need for a just peace that would prevent Russia from using a ceasefire to rearm.
The London talks followed a heated confrontation at the White House, where Trump and Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful and unwilling to accept proposed ceasefire terms. Trump warned that Zelensky’s stance could escalate the situation into a broader conflict, while Zelensky insisted that Ukraine would not compromise with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s shift in U.S. policy has raised concerns among European allies. The new administration has positioned itself as a mediator between Putin and Zelensky, while sidelining European leaders. Following recent meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and Starmer in Washington, Trump claimed progress had been made toward ending the war, describing the negotiations as entering a crucial stage.
Despite tensions at the White House, Zelensky signaled that Ukraine remains open to discussions with the U.S. and is willing to consider agreements regarding its mineral wealth, a key interest of the Trump administration. He reaffirmed that Ukraine and the U.S. remain strategic partners but stressed the need for direct and honest dialogue.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Trump’s approach, accusing him of reversing the roles of victim and aggressor. She described the developments as marking a new era of global instability.
Meanwhile, Moscow dismissed Zelensky’s Washington trip as a “complete failure.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated in an interview with Russian state television that the shift in U.S. foreign policy largely aligns with Russia’s interests, signaling a potential realignment of power dynamics in the ongoing conflict.
