Sir Keir Starmer has said Europe will need to do the “heavy lifting” to ensure peace in Ukraine, but added “we need US backing”.
Following a security summit in London aimed at ending Russia’s war with Ukraine, the prime minister said that “any deal must be backed by strength”.
He added: “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.”
It came on the same day that president Zelensky met King Charles in a highly unusual political gesture by the monarch, seemingly designed to send a clear signal to the US president after he berated the Ukrainian leader in the Oval Office on Friday.
Sir Keir also announced a deal which will allow Ukraine to use £1.6 billion of export finance to buy more than 5,000 air defence missiles.
The prime minister said that he does not accept the US is an “unreliable ally”.
“There are no two countries as closely aligned as our two countries and our defence, our security and intelligence is intertwined in a way no two other countries are, so it’s an important and reliable ally for us.”
Key Points
- Zelensky says he can salvage relationship with US
- Zelensky suggests he will resign if Ukraine given Nato membership
- Starmer announces £1.6bn deal for Ukraine to develop 5,000 missiles
- Zelensky leaves Sandringham after meeting King Charles
- Starmer has the beginning of ‘a coalition of the willing’
Europe must boost defence spending, says von der Leyen
03:55
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Arpan Rai
Several European leaders said they must increase defence spending - something that could help bring Donald Trump on side to offer a US security guarantee in the event of peace.
"After a long time of underinvestment, it is now of utmost importance to step up the defence investment for a prolonged period of time," Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, the EU's executive body, told reporters.
Europe needs to turn "Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders," she said.
How reliant is Ukraine on US weapons as Trump threatens to withdraw support?
03:51
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Jabed Ahmed
Zelensky leaves London with 'Europe's clear support'
03:42
,
Arpan Rai
Volodymyr Zelensky said after the meeting that he left London with "Europe's clear support" and readiness to cooperate.
"There will be diplomacy for the sake of peace," he said in his nightly video address. "And for the sake of us all being together - Ukraine, all of Europe and definitely, definitely America."
Earlier, Mr Zelensky told reporters that Ukraine would not cede any territory to Russia as part of a peace agreement and said he was still willing to sign a minerals deal with the United States.
The Ukrainian war-time president said he believed he could salvage his relationship with Donald Trump after Friday's shouting match, but that talks would have to take place behind closed doors.
"The format of what happened, I don't think it brought something positive or additional to us as partners," he said.
JD Vance protesters line streets of Vermont where vice president takes ski holiday after Zelensky clash
03:30
,
Jabed Ahmed
Macron shares a glimpse of European peace plan's first month
03:21
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Arpan Rai
Before arriving in London, French president Emmanuel Macron suggested in an interview with a French newspaper that he and prime minister Keir Starmer are proposing a "truce in the air, on the seas and energy infrastructures" that would last a month.
There would be no European troops in the coming weeks and troops would only be deployed on the ground at a later stage, he said.
The question, Mr Macron said, is "how we use this time to try and get an accessible truce, with negotiations that will take several weeks and then, once peace is signed, a deployment”.
03:15
,
Jabed Ahmed
Watch | Pro-Ukraine protesters rally outside White House after Trump-Zelensky clash
03:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
Starmer announces outlines of plan to end Ukraine war
02:53
,
Arpan Rai
Prime minister Keir Starmer rallied his European counterparts Sunday to shore up their borders and throw their full weight behind Ukraine as he announced outlines of a plan to end Russia's war.
"Every nation must contribute to that in the best way that it can, bringing different capabilities and support to the table, but all taking responsibility to act, all stepping up their own share of the burden," he said.
Sir Keir said he had worked with France and Ukraine on a plan to end the war and that the group of leaders – mostly from Europe – had agreed on four things.
The steps toward peace would: keep aid flowing to Kyiv and maintain economic pressure on Russia to strengthen Ukraine's hand; make sure Ukraine is at the bargaining table and any peace deal must ensure its sovereignty and security; and continue to arm Ukraine to deter future invasion.
Oil refinery in Russia's Ufa on fire, RIA agency reports
02:44
,
Arpan Rai
An oil refinery in the Russian city of Ufa was on fire, the state RIA news agency reported today, citing the regional branch of Russia's emergency ministry.
"There is no threat to residents of nearby areas," the emergency ministry said. It added that necessary personnel and equipment were sent to monitor the air quality.
It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.
Several Russian Telegram channels, including the SHOT news channel, reported the fire followed an explosion at the refinery.
Comment | The King shows extraordinary courage in supporting democracy after the Oval Office car crash
02:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
The involvement of a member of the royal family can have incalculable benefits – but this visit by President Zelensky to the King in his Norfolk home is unprecedented, writes Hugo Vickers
JD Vance is emerging as the real power in White House – it could mean a decade of ‘mafia-style malice’ for Europe
01:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
JD Vance is campaigning for the 2028 elections and he is no friend of Europe or the UK, world affairs editor Sam Kiley writes
Zelensky breaks silence on reported truce after European leaders’ summit
00:23
,
Jabed Ahmed
Watch | Starmer warns West is at a crossroads after Ukraine crisis talks
Sunday 2 March 2025 23:59
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Jabed Ahmed
Watch | ‘I’m aware of everything,’ Zelensky jokes when asked about reported truce following European leader summit
Sunday 2 March 2025 23:36
,
Jabed Ahmed
ICYMI | Zelensky: I am ‘exchangeable’ for Nato, ready to sign US minerals deal
Sunday 2 March 2025 23:14
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Jabed Ahmed
Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is “exchangeable” for Ukrainian membership of Nato, and suggested he was ready to sign a minerals deal with the US.
Speaking to reporters at Stansted Airport before he left the UK, the Ukrainian president was asked if he could stand down in the event his country becomes a Nato member.
“I am exchangeable for Nato,” he said.
Mr Zelensky added: “I have said that I am exchanging for Nato membership, then it means I have fulfilled my mission. Nato means I have fulfilled my mission.”
He also told reporters Ukraine was “ready to sign it”, when asked about the minerals deal with America that was put on hold after his stormy meeting with Donald Trump.
King Charles meets Zelensky at Sandringham in show of support for Ukraine president
Sunday 2 March 2025 23:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
Pictured | Ukrainians rallying outside Downing Street
Sunday 2 March 2025 22:38
,
Jabed Ahmed
Czech government to discuss increasing defence budget, PM says
Sunday 2 March 2025 22:26
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Jabed Ahmed
Czech government ministers will soon discuss increases to defence spending, Prime Minister Petr Fiala has said after meeting European leaders in London to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine.
"We are all aware of the seriousness of the situation, now we need to move from words to actions," said Fiala, who has previously said Czech defence spending should rise to 3% of gross domestic product in several years from around 2% in 2024.
Zelensky says war with Russia still has ‘long way to go’ and vows no concessions on Ukrainian territory
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:54
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Jabed Ahmed
Volodymyr Zelensky said that there was still a "long way to go" before the war with Russia could come to an end.
Speaking to reporters at Stansted Airport, the Ukrainian president emphasised that any agreement to end the war needed to be "honest," "fair," and "stable."
He stressed the importance of "very specific security guarantees."
He made it clear that Ukraine was "not talking" about making any concessions at that time, as he believed it would be "wrong." He also mentioned that he had been "hearing signals from various partners."
Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine would never recognise Russian-occupied territories as Russian land, calling them "temporary occupations."
He said that Ukraine's territories and values were "not for sale" and that its freedoms were equally non-negotiable.
Addressing security guarantees, he expressed hope that they would prevent any future Russian aggression or, if it did occur, ensure a "strong response" from Ukraine and its allies.
He declined to discuss specific details, stating that there were "too many things to think of" before any agreements were officially signed.
However, he confirmed that, as of that day, Ukraine’s partners had agreed to maintain pressure on Russia.
Zelensky say he had 'very good meeting' with King
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:51
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Jabed Ahmed
Volodymyr Zelensky has said he had a "very good" meeting with King Charles.
"I am very grateful for this meeting and for how His Majesty supports Ukraine," he added.
"We are very thankful for the Royal Family for their support."
Zelensky says mineral deal is ready to be signed
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:47
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Jabed Ahmed
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is ready to sign the minerals deal with US president Donald Trump.
He told the BBC: “It is out policy to continue what happened in the past, we’re constructive.
“If we agreed to sign the minerals deal, we’re ready to sign it.”
““The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready,” he concluded.
UK and France propose one month ceasefire - report
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:44
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Jabed Ahmed
France and the UK have proposed a one-month truce in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron has said.
The French president told Le Figaro: “There will be no European troops on Ukrainian soil in the coming weeks.
“The question is how we use this time to try to obtain an accessible truce, with negotiations that will take several weeks and then, once peace is signed, a deployment.”
He added: “We want peace. We don’t want it at any price, without guarantees.”
Marco Rubio bashes Zelensky for trying to ‘Ukraine-splain’ to Donald Trump
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:38
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Jabed Ahmed
Russian lawmaker says Ukraine can only count on improved Moscow-Washington ties
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:37
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Jabed Ahmed
An influential Russian parliamentarian dismissed a summit of European leaders in London for producing no plan to settle the war in Ukraine and said Kyiv's only hope for the future was an improvement in ties between Moscow and Washington.
Konstantin Kosachev, writing on the Telegram messaging app, derided the outcome of the London meeting as "a desperate attempt to pass off as success the failure of a 10-year policy of inciting Ukraine towards Russia by the same Great Britain and, until recently, the United States".
"Europe has no plan," wrote Kosachev, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Russia's upper house of parliament.
"And if Ukraine should count on something, it can only be on progress (if there is any to come) in Russian-American relations."
He said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Sir Keir Starmer, who hosted the meeting, "cannot fail to understand this".
Orban: European leaders opted for war not peace
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:27
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Jabed Ahmed
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has suggested European leaders opted for war not peace during the security summit in London.
Mr Orban, Donald Trump’s closest ally in Europe, said on X: “European leaders decided in London today that they want to go on with the war instead of opting for peace. They decided that Ukraine must continue the war.
“This is bad, dangerous and mistaken. Hungary remains on the side of peace. Ceterum censeo.”
Zelensky suggests he will resign if Ukraine given Nato membership
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:23
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Jabed Ahmed
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested he will resign if Ukraine is granted Nato membership.
Speaking to reporters at Stansted Airport, Mr Zelensky said: "I am exchangeable for Nato.
"I have said that I am exchanging for Nato membership, then it means I have fulfilled my mission. Nato means I have fulfilled my mission."
He added: "To change me, it will not be easy because it is not enough to simply hold elections. You would need to prevent me from participating. And it will be a bit more difficult."
Zelensky says he can salvage relationship with US
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:18
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Jabed Ahmed
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky said he believed he could salvage his relationship with US President Donald Trump after their explosive meeting in the Oval Office, but said talks needed to continue in a different format.
The Ukrainian president also told reporters that although he did not think the US would stop its assistance to Ukraine - because that would only help Russian President Vladimir Putin - he was working to prepare for any challenges that may arise.
Zelensky said he remained ready to sign the minerals deal with the United States, and that he believed the US would be ready as well.
Watch | Zelensky leaves via helicopter from Sandringham after meeting the King
Sunday 2 March 2025 21:13
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Jabed Ahmed
Pictured | Zelensky with King Charles
Sunday 2 March 2025 20:56
,
Jabed Ahmed
Zelensky says Ukraine feels strong support in Europe
Sunday 2 March 2025 20:54
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Jabed Ahmed
President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking after a summit of European leaders on Sunday, said Ukraine felt strong support and expressed satisfaction for what he said was "European unity at an extremely high level not seen for a long time".
"We are all working together in Europe in order to find a basis for cooperation with America for a true peace and guaranteed security," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
Full report | Starmer says Europe ‘must do heavy lifting’ as he seizes Ukraine peace talks from Trum
Sunday 2 March 2025 20:52
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Jabed Ahmed
The Independent View | It’s time for Europe to take the lead in Ukraine peace talks
Sunday 2 March 2025 20:49
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Jabed Ahmed
Editorial: As Keir Starmer declares a ‘once in a generation’ moment for European security, the promised ‘coalition of the willing’ needs strong leadership to ensure it delivers – and so a Ukrainian peace can endure
Russian top diplomat Lavrov praises Trump on US president’s dealings with Ukraine
Sunday 2 March 2025 20:29
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Jabed Ahmed
Sunday 2 March 2025 20:09
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Jabed Ahmed
ICYMI | UK signs £1.6 billion deal to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air defence missiles
Sunday 2 March 2025 19:43
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Jabed Ahmed
The UK has signed a £1.6 billion deal to supply more than 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine using export finance.
Sir Keir Starmer said on Sunday that the lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) will be made in Northern Ireland, creating 200 jobs.
He added: “This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthen Ukraine in securing the peace when it comes because we have to learn from the mistakes of the past.”
The missiles, which are capable of flying at 1.5 times the speed of sound and striking targets over 6km away, can be used to attack enemy vehicles, boats and drones.
They will be manufactured at the Thales weapons plant in Belfast.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This new support will help protect Ukraine against drone and missile attacks but it will also help deter further Russian aggression following any end to the fighting.
“This new deal delivers on the UK’s ironclad commitment to step up military support for Ukraine whilst boosting jobs and growth at home.”
The contract will be funded by a loan underwritten by United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF).
European Council president's statement following summit
Sunday 2 March 2025 19:24
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Jabed Ahmed
The EU is ready to work with all our European partners and other allies in a peace plan for Ukraine that ensures a just and lasting peace.
— António Costa (@eucopresident) March 2, 2025
We must learn from the past. Peacemaking goes hand in hand with peacekeeping.
Follow my press statement after the leaders’ summit in… pic.twitter.com/fuvA7sLBtl
Scholz: 'The path to peace is that Russia ends the war'
Sunday 2 March 2025 18:59
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said the “path to peace is the Russia ends the war”.
Speaking to reporters following the European security summit, Mr Scholz said: “Ukrainians can rely on our unwavering support. They must be able to defend their country – with a strong Ukrainian army and a security architecture that works.
“Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Zelensky leaves after meeting with King
Sunday 2 March 2025 18:44
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Jabed Ahmed
A helicopter could be seen departing the Sandringham estate in Norfolk at 6.35pm, following the meeting between the King and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Full report | King Charles meets Zelensky at Sandringham in show of support for Ukraine president
Sunday 2 March 2025 18:41
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Jabed Ahmed
Canada's Trudeau: Everything is on the table
Sunday 2 March 2025 18:26
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Jabed Ahmed
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has said it was "important for Canada to be there with allies" as they discussed the defence of Ukraine.
"We all have an important role to play," he said.
"Canada has been one of the strongest countries in support of Ukraine from the very beginning, for over 10 years now we've been training Ukrainian defence forces."
He said Canada will continue to play a "significant" role.
Europe must urgently rearm, EU's Von der Leyen says
Sunday 2 March 2025 18:23
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Jabed Ahmed
Europe urgently needs to rearm and member states must be given the fiscal space to carry out a surge in defence spending, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting about support for Ukraine.
Von der Leyen added that Europe also needed to show the United States that it was ready to defend democracy.
"After a long time of underinvestment, it is now of utmost importance to step up the defence investment for a prolonged period of time," she told reporters after the meeting in London.
"Member states need more fiscal space to do a surge in defence spending."
Some more pictures from the Kings meeting with Zelensky
Sunday 2 March 2025 18:15
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Jabed Ahmed
Pictured | Zelensky meets King
Sunday 2 March 2025 18:05
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Jabed Ahmed
Healey reiterates ‘unwavering support’ in meeting with Ukrainian counterpart
Sunday 2 March 2025 18:00
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Jabed Ahmed
Defence Secretary John Healey has reiterated the UK’s “unwavering support” in a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart.
Mr Healey met with Rustem Umerov in London, as part of Volodymyr Zelensky’s delegation in the UK capital for Sir Keir Starmer’s defence summit.
The pair discussed additional military support such as the prospects of purchasing weapons using profits from confiscated Russian assets, and Mr Healey said the UK is “determined” to secure peace.
The Defence Secretary said that it was “great to welcome my friend Rustem Umerov to London for this weekend’s summit and reiterate to him our unwavering support.
“Together we are all determined to find a path to secure a just and lasting peace in Europe and the best outcome for Ukraine.”
Mr Zelensky was attending the summit of European leaders at Lancaster House in London on Sunday, after the confrontation in the Oval Office with Donald Trump on Friday.
In a post on Facebook, Mr Umerov said that the UK is “ready to increase military assistance to Ukraine and actively engage European partners in supporting the armed forces of Ukraine”.
He said that the pair “reviewed the prospects of purchasing weapons using profits from confiscated Russian assets and discussed the UK’s role in the Ramstein format, as well as its readiness to co-ordinate arms supplies for Ukraine”.
“I am grateful to our British allies for their unwavering support of Ukraine in the fight for freedom,” he added.
Watch | Starmer warns West is at a crossroads after Ukraine crisis talks
Sunday 2 March 2025 17:57
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Jabed Ahmed
Starmer highlights ‘huge amount of common ground’ with Italy’s Meloni
Sunday 2 March 2025 17:51
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Jabed Ahmed
Sir Keir Starmer said there is a “huge amount of common ground” between him and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
He said: “I had a very good bilateral meeting with Giorgia this morning, we had the first bilateral brunch, I think, in the history of British-Italian relations, so that was a first.
“We get on personally, very well, and she’s very clear, I don’t want to speak for her, but I think her position is well known, that Europe and the US have to stand together and that bond must always be strong.
“So there’s a huge amount of common ground between the way I see this and the way Giorgia sees this, particularly the view that it is important for the security and defence of Italy, Europe and the United Kingdom that we work as we’ve always worked closely aligned with the United States.”
Analysis | Starmer exudes quiet confidence in his plan to get the US on side
Sunday 2 March 2025 17:49
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Millie Cooke
Sir Keir Starmer exudes quiet confidence in his plan to get the US on side with Europe’s plan to reach a peace deal in Ukraine.
While the US won’t be playing a leading role in initial talks with Ukraine, the PM seemed to think Trump would be on board.
“I would not be taking this step down this road if I didn't think that it was something that would reach a positive outcome in terms of ensuring that we move together. Ukraine, Europe, UK and US together towards a lasting peace”, he told journalists, having spoken to the president on the phone last night.
Whether the PM is bluffing or not, only time will tell - but the image presented to the public today at Lancaster House was one of remarkable control of the situation.
Zelensky arrives in Sandringham
Sunday 2 March 2025 17:42
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Jabed Ahmed
Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk for his meeting with the King.
A military helicopter could be seen flying low and descending over the estate at around 5.25pm.
Local people, some holding Ukraine flags, gathered outside the estate to try to witness the arrival.
Real progress’ was made on peacekeeping troops… but the PM can’t name which countries will be involved
Sunday 2 March 2025 17:33
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Millie Cooke
The PM has said real progress has been made today in the plan to put together a “coalition of the willing” - aimed at stopping the fighting in Ukraine. He told journalists he is pleased that a number of countries have indicated they want to be involved, but declined to name names.
While he says they’re closer to a solution than they were before, clearly he has not done enough to persuade European leaders to publicly put their weight behind the plan.
Starmer sets out what was agreed at summit
Sunday 2 March 2025 17:33
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Jabed Ahmed
Sir Keir Starmer has set out what was agreed at Sunday’s summit on Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference in Lancaster House, the Prime Minister said that “any deal must be backed by strength”.
He went on: “Every nation must contribute to that in the best way that it can, bringing different capabilities and support to the table, but all taking responsibility to act, all stepping up their own share of the burden. So we agreed some important steps today. First, we will keep the military aid flowing and keep increasing the 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. 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.”
Starmer refuses to disclose details of call with Trump
Sunday 2 March 2025 17:30
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Jabed Ahmed
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to disclose the details of his call with Donald Trump last night.
However, the PM seemed optimistic that today’s conference is a step in the right direction.
Starmer appears to have persuaded other to have helped
Sunday 2 March 2025 17:29
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David Maddox
On his coalition of the willing, Sir Keir Starmer seems to be optimistic that a number of European partners joining the UK and France.
He said: “A number of countries have indicated today that they want to be part of the plan we are developing. I will leave it to them to make their own statements.”
He added: “We have made real progress today.”
Starmer has the beginning of ‘a coalition of the willing’
Sunday 2 March 2025 17:22
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David Maddox
Sir Keir Starmer appears to have the start of a plan to salvage the Ukraine crisis.
He has just told journalists: “UK, France and others will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting.”
Along with that Sir Keir is backing up Ukraine’s own defence by enabling £1.6 billion of UK export financing for Ukraine to buy 5,000 missiles.
He opened off by making it clear - as he did to European partners - that the first duty of government is defence.
Ukraine for Starmer, Macron and others is part of self defence.
However, he has a strong message to Trump. While telling European partners they must spend more on defence, he has said “we need US backing”.