European Leaders Meet to Discuss Ukraine Crisis
European leaders met at Lancaster House in London to discuss the situation in Ukraine. The meeting was held under sunny skies, but there were concerns about whether it would be enough to change the course of events.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir said that Europe still had a role to play in finding a solution to the crisis. He promised that the UK, France, and others would work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting. This plan would then be discussed with the US.
The leaders also agreed to keep military aid flowing to Ukraine. In the event of a peace deal, they would boost Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities. This includes building up the country’s armed forces and border defences.
Sir Keir talked about creating a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine and guarantee peace. However, it is not clear what this coalition would involve or who would be part of it.
The UK and France have already said they are willing to send troops to Ukraine to help deter Russian aggression. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen described the goal as making Ukraine a “steel porcupine” that would be hard for potential invaders to digest.
The meeting was an attempt by Europe to take ownership of the diplomacy in Ukraine. The US had been leading efforts to end the fighting, but there have been tensions between the US and European leaders.
The Europeans were trying to repair the transatlantic alliance, which has been fragile since a confrontation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US administration has questioned Europe’s democracy and voting record at the UN.
Now it is up to the US to decide whether they will play their part in finding a ceasefire in Ukraine. There are mixed messages coming from Washington, with some officials saying they are willing to engage with Ukraine, while others suggest Zelensky might have to resign as part of any deal.
The outcome of the meeting was a united European front in backing Zelensky and promising more military support for Ukraine. But the question remains: what will the US do next?
