British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday said European nations stand at a “crossroads in history” and must realise that “it is time to act,” following a defence summit on Ukraine.
He also announced a four-step plan discussed at Lancaster House meeting, including a commitment to form a “coalition of the willing” to uphold a peace deal in Ukraine and ensure its security.
Speaking to journalists after the summit, the Prime Minister announced a £1.6 billion finance deal to help Ukraine acquire over 5,000 missiles.
Keir Starmer said that “every nation must contribute” in its own way, adding that several “important steps” were agreed upon during the summit.
What is British PM Keir Starmer’s four-step plan for Ukraine?
“First, we will keep the military aid flowing and continue increasing economic pressure on Russia to strengthen Ukraine now. Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, and Ukraine must be at the table. Third, in the event of a peace deal, we will keep boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion. Fourth, we will go further to develop a coalition of the willing to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace,” said Keir Starmer.
“Not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that can’t mean that we sit back. Instead, those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency. The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others. Europe must do the heavy lifting,” added Starmer.
Among the attendees at the summit were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – who afterwards flew to Sandringham to meet the King – and French President Emmanuel Macron, who both met US President Donald Trump at the White House this week.
