Sir Keir Starmer has urged leaders to step up at a “once in a generation moment” for security in Europe at the start of the defence summit on Ukraine.
Leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte are gathered at Lancaster House in London to forge a common position on ending the war.
The Prime Minister told those present that “this is a once in a generation moment for the security of Europe and we all need to step up.”
He said that getting a good outcome for Ukraine is “vital to the security of every nation here and many others too”.
The summit comes after leaders rallied round Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his confrontation with Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, which has created a divide between the US and its European partners.
The Prime Minister said that it has been agreed that “a group” will work “with Ukraine on a plan to stop the the fighting and then discuss that with the US and take it forward together”.
Ukraine’s allies need to also continue their support in the moment, Sir Keir said, adding: “Even while Russia talks about peace, they are continuing their relentless aggression.”
He concluded: “That is the agenda and we need to agree what steps come out of this meeting to deliver peace through strength for the benefit of all.
“So, let’s get started.”
Among those in attendance at the meeting at Lancaster House are Mr Zelensky and Mr Macron as well as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau is also at the meeting, alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.
Sir Keir told the gathered leaders that a crowd who welcomed Mr Zelensky with applause ahead of his visit to Downing Street over the weekend was “totally spontaneous”.
Addressing the Ukrainian president who was sat alongside him, the Prime Minister added: “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.”
Leaders had posed for a family photo in front of their national flags before the discussions got under way.
