Starmer Rallies Europe to Strengthen Ukraine’s Defense Amid Trump’s Wavering Support/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged European leaders on Sunday to take greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense, calling the moment a historic crossroads for the continent. Meeting with 18 fellow leaders in London, Starmer outlined a four-point plan aimed at ending Russia’s war, securing Ukraine’s sovereignty, and bolstering European defense.
The summit followed an explosive confrontation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, which cast doubts on U.S. security guarantees. While Europe remains divided on military commitments, Starmer pledged the UK’s readiness to deploy troops and aircraft as part of a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine.
Starmer’s Ukraine Peace Push: Quick Look
- Urgent Call for Action: Starmer rallied European leaders to take greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense.
- Four-Point Plan:
- Sustained military and economic aid for Kyiv.
- Continued pressure on Russia to weaken its war effort.
- Ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty in any peace negotiations.
- Forming a ‘coalition of the willing’ to defend Ukraine post-war.
- UK Commitment: Starmer pledged troops and planes for defense operations.
- Macron’s Truce Proposal: French President Emmanuel Macron suggested a temporary ceasefire to enable peace talks.
- Trump’s Uncertainty: European leaders are concerned about Trump’s soft stance on Putin and his reluctance to guarantee U.S. support.
Starmer Rallies Europe to Strengthen Ukraine’s Defense Amid Trump’s Wavering Support
Starmer: ‘Europe Must Step Up’
At a high-stakes summit in London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security, urging nations to back Ukraine decisively.
“Every nation must contribute, bringing different capabilities and support to the table. But all must take responsibility to act,” Starmer said.
His message comes days after President Donald Trump berated Zelenskyy at the White House, casting doubt on whether the U.S. would continue supporting Kyiv.
“If there is to be a peace deal, it must be defended,” Starmer warned.
Europe’s Unified but Cautious Stance
Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and other European nations agreed on a four-point strategy for Ukraine’s defense:
- Maintain military and financial aid to Ukraine.
- Keep economic pressure on Russia to weaken its war effort.
- Ensure Ukraine’s full participation in any peace talks.
- Build a “coalition of the willing” to enforce peace, including troops and air support if necessary.
While some nations remain hesitant about deploying troops, Starmer emphasized that the UK is ready to lead by example, pledging military personnel and aircraft.
Macron’s Proposal: A Temporary Truce
French President Emmanuel Macron outlined a proposal for a one-month ceasefire, arguing that stopping active combat could create an opening for negotiations.
“The key question is how to use this time to secure a lasting agreement,” Macron said.
His plan suggests no immediate European troop deployment but leaves room for future intervention if necessary.
Europe’s Frustration with Trump’s Approach
Tensions between Trump and European leaders have been escalating since the U.S. president initiated direct peace talks with Putin, breaking with the previous Western policy of isolating Russia.
At the White House meeting on Friday, Trump publicly chastised Zelenskyy, accused Ukraine of not showing enough gratitude, and refused to commit to a U.S. security guarantee.
“You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump warned Zelenskyy.
European officials were stunned by the exchange, fearing it signaled a shift away from U.S. leadership in the war effort.
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni voiced concerns about Trump’s “unpredictability”, calling for Europe to “reinforce unity” in the face of uncertainty.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that Europe could not afford to rely solely on the U.S.
A ‘Steel Porcupine’ Defense for Ukraine
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed Starmer’s call for stronger European defense investments, saying Ukraine needed ironclad security guarantees.
“We must turn Ukraine into a steel porcupine—an indigestible force for any future invader,” she said.
The EU has underinvested in defense for decades, but Starmer’s London summit signals a shift toward rearmament.
Last week, Starmer pledged to boost UK military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027—a move that could encourage other European nations to follow suit.
What Comes Next?
Starmer will take the European-backed plan to the U.S., seeking to convince Trump to support Ukraine’s long-term security.
“We must ensure peace is not just signed, but enforced,” he said.
The outcome remains uncertain, especially as Trump’s position on Ukraine continues to evolve.
With Ukraine bracing for renewed Russian offensives, Europe is racing against time to secure a lasting solution—with or without U.S. backing.
Final Thoughts
Europe stands at a defining moment in its history. As Trump’s foreign policy shifts, European leaders are stepping up to fill the gap. Can Starmer’s plan forge a path to peace, or will Putin and Trump reshape the global order on their terms? The next few months will be critical.
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