British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that Britain and France are collaborating on a peace deal for Ukraine, which they intend to present to U.S. President Donald Trump. Starmer described the initiative as a positive step forward, following a tense meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday.
Starmer, who is set to host Western leaders in London to revive peace efforts, expressed hope that a European "coalition of the willing" would unite to support Kiev. However, he emphasized that any ceasefire agreement must be backed by the United States to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from launching further invasions of Ukraine.
"We need to identify European countries willing to take a more proactive stance," Starmer told the BBC. He added that the UK and France are leading the effort, with French President Emmanuel Macron collaborating closely on the plan. "President Macron and I are working on this proposal, which we will then discuss with the U.S.," Starmer said.
European Leaders Call for Increased Defence Spending
The push for a peace deal comes amid growing calls for Europe to bolster its defence capabilities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the urgency of increased defence investment, particularly after years of underfunding. "Member states need greater fiscal flexibility to surge defence spending," she told reporters. Von der Leyen also emphasized the need to transform Ukraine into a "steel porcupine" that would be "indigestible for potential invaders."
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed these sentiments, noting that European leaders agreed on the necessity of taking greater responsibility for defence within NATO. "We must increase spending on our defence budgets and maintain close ties with the U.S.," Tusk said.
U.S. Involvement Seen as Critical to Peace Deal
Starmer reiterated that any peace agreement for Ukraine would require a security guarantee from the United States. He spoke with Macron and Trump on Saturday, following a meeting with Zelenskyy at Downing Street. The discussions came a day after Trump and Zelenskyy engaged in a heated exchange at the White House.
"I’ve always been clear that a U.S. backstop is essential," Starmer said. "Without it, there can be no guarantee of lasting peace."
The proposed peace plan underscores the delicate balance of European and U.S. cooperation in addressing the Ukraine crisis, as Western leaders seek to counter Russian aggression while maintaining transatlantic unity.