European Leaders Forge Peace Plan for Ukraine Amid Tensions with Trump

In a bid to reinvigorate peace talks amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain, France, and Ukraine have come together to craft a ceasefire plan. The coalition aims to present the proposal to the United States in hopes of easing the prolonged conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Starmer, who hosted a crucial summit of European leaders on Sunday, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that Europe must act swiftly and decisively to present a unified front. The summit, which was expected to address the creation of a European military force for Ukraine, came at a time when diplomatic efforts appeared fragile.

Starmer reiterated that his goal is to act as a bridge between European leaders and the US to re-engage with President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Instead of escalating rhetoric, Starmer's focus remains on finding common ground and moving forward with a "coalition of the willing."

"We must act quickly and decisively to present a plan," Starmer said in a BBC interview. He further highlighted the importance of the UK and France taking a leading role in providing peacekeeping troops, as both nations are at the forefront of the peace talks.

The timing of the summit coincides with heightened tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who were involved in a tense confrontation at the White House earlier in the week. During the meeting, Trump scolded Zelensky for what he perceived as ingratitude toward US support, leaving Ukraine’s position on the world stage more uncertain than ever.

Despite these challenges, Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are working closely on a peace plan that would be presented to the United States, with the hopes of getting back on track with peace negotiations. Starmer, however, defended Zelensky’s actions, stating that the Ukrainian leader had done nothing wrong during the White House confrontation.

However, in the aftermath of the US's shifting stance on Ukraine, Starmer emphasized that European nations must step up to safeguard their interests. This includes increasing military spending and forging greater defense independence from the United States. Macron has echoed similar sentiments, calling for greater European autonomy, especially in defense and nuclear deterrence.

Starmer has pledged to raise the UK’s military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with other European countries expected to follow suit. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has even suggested that European nations should aim for at least 3% of GDP in defense spending.

Meanwhile, as European leaders brace for a "historic test" in the face of increasing uncertainty, Macron, known for his calls for a stronger and more independent Europe, reiterated his stance on European defense. He urged leaders to discuss the future of the European nuclear deterrent, with some expressing concerns over France’s exclusive control over its nuclear capabilities.