According to Sir Keir Starmer, a team of European leaders is collaborating with Ukraine on a peace proposal that will be presented to the US, reports Sky.
In his opening remarks for Sunday’s European summit, the prime minister said that the continent was facing a “once-in-a-generation moment for the security of Europe” and that “we all need to step up.”
Speaking from Lancaster House in the heart of London, Sir Keir stated that while the dialogue was heading in the direction of peace, it was still critical to make sure Ukraine could continue to struggle against Russian aggression, reports Sky.
“In my conversations in recent days, we agreed a group of us will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, and then discuss that with the US and take it forward together,” he said, reports Sky.
“Even while Russia talks about peace, they are continuing their relentless aggression. 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,” reports Sky.
In an apparent effort to mend fences with Donald Trump after his heated altercation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, the prime minister earlier stated that the UK, France, and Ukraine will develop a ceasefire plan to submit to the US.
Despite the uncomfortable events earlier in the week, the prime minister, who was in Washington on Thursday, stated that he thought Mr. Trump did seek a “lasting peace” between Russia and Ukraine, reports Sky.
The prime minister claimed he felt “uncomfortable” after the Thursday altercation between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, US Vice President JD Vance, and President Trump in the White House’s Oval Office.
He said, “Nobody wants to see that,” on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC, reports Sky.
Sir Keir declared that his “driving purpose” is to “bridge this and get us back to the central focus” when he called both Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelenskyy on Friday night.
The next day, the prime minister claimed to have spent “quite a long time with President Zelenskyy” before making phone calls to French President Emmanuel Macron and President Trump, reports Sky.
Asked why he still trusted the US president, Sir Keir said: “Because I’ve spoken to him a number of times. I’ve got to know him. I’ve had extensive discussions with him and I believe his motivation is lasting peace,” reports Sky.
The prime minister stated that “intense” talks were taking place over his continued desire for a US “backstop” for Ukrainian security.
A “European element to security guarantees” is what he claimed to be aiming for.
“That’s why I’ve been forward-leaning on this about what we would do – and a US backstop,” he said, reports Sky.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey stated that if a “credible” agreement is reached, his party will back the deployment of British troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers.
“If we all get dragged into an escalation, America will get dragged into it eventually,” stated Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who also stated that European countries must “make sure that America does not disengage,” reports Sky.
During the on-camera dispute at the White House, she called Mr. Zelenskyy a “hero” and that her heart “went out to” him.
“I watched it and I couldn’t believe what was happening,” she said. “He was being humiliated,” reports Sky.
She went on to say that such “difficult conversations” shouldn’t take place in front of cameras.
The leaders of Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Canada, Finland, and Romania are attending the summit today.
As she arrived for discussions at Number 10, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told Sir Keir Starmer that it is “very, very important that we avoid the risk that the West divides,” reports Sky.
The event is also being attended by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Getting “back on track” is the goal of the meeting, a government source told Sky News.
They acknowledged that there will be “more ups and downs” in the future, though.
“We must keep our eyes on the prize,” reports Sky.
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