London: European leaders gathered in London on Sunday to reinforce their commitment to Ukraine and discuss strategies to counter Russia’s ongoing invasion.
The high-level meeting, attended by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, came in the wake of a tense encounter between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.
During the discussions, Starmer underscored the necessity of American backing for any future peace deal in Ukraine, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the country’s defense. He also announced a substantial aid package, pledging £1.6 billion (€1.94 billion) in export financing to provide Ukraine with 5,000 air defense missiles. Additionally, he revealed efforts to form a “coalition of the willing” among European nations prepared to deploy peacekeeping forces in Kyiv if needed.
The London talks took place just days after a widely reported clash between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, which ended in a heated argument. Reports suggest Trump criticized Zelenskyy for his approach to the war and abruptly ended the meeting. The confrontation has sent shockwaves through Europe, raising fresh concerns about the US’s commitment to its allies under the new Trump administration.
Meloni, who has called for a transatlantic summit to mend strained relations between Europe and the US, emphasized the need for Western unity. She described Zelenskyy as “rational and determined” in his pursuit of peace and reiterated that a divided West would be detrimental to Ukraine and global security.
“The only thing we cannot afford is an unsustainable peace. Ukraine, Europe, and the United States all need a lasting resolution,” Meloni stated, stressing the importance of maintaining cohesion among Western nations.
Trudeau, also present at the London talks, expressed unwavering support for Ukraine in light of Trump’s hostility. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Kyiv and echoed concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s trustworthiness, citing his history of breaking agreements.
Meanwhile, tensions between Canada and the US have escalated due to Trump’s renewed threats of tariffs on Canadian goods. Although temporary agreements were reached to delay the tariffs, the situation remains volatile, adding further strain to Washington-Ottawa relations.
Looking ahead, European leaders are set to reconvene in Brussels for an emergency European Council session to discuss continued military and financial support for Ukraine. The meeting will also focus on bolstering European defense capabilities as the continent reassesses its security framework in light of shifting US foreign policy priorities.
