Europe seeks independent Ukraine peace plan amid tensions

Europe seeks to establish a peace plan for Ukraine, bolstered by military commitments from allies amid U.S. tensions.

In Short

European leaders are working on a peace plan for Ukraine amid U.S. President Trump’s concerns about support affecting negotiations with Ukrainian President Zelensky. U.K. Prime Minister Starmer convened nearly 20 nations to discuss military commitments and funding for Ukraine, highlighting the need for united European support despite logistical uncertainties and U.S. involvement.

European leaders are seeking to create a peace plan for Ukraine following tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted nearly 20 allied nations in London to discuss military commitments aimed at deterring Russian aggression. Starmer noted that further countries must join to build an effective force for Ukraine’s security.

Discussions among European leaders have intensified after a public confrontation between Trump and Zelensky. Trump expressed concerns that U.S. involvement might reduce Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate. European officials are striving to ensure Ukraine continues receiving Western military support while formulating a unified stance for negotiations with Russia.

U.S.’s reliability

Starmer aimed to downplay any transatlantic tensions and reiterated the U.S.’s reliability as an ally. The allies also explored increased funding for European defense amid shifting U.S. focus.

Zelensky was welcomed in London, where he met various leaders and King Charles III. Key disagreements persist over security guarantees for Ukraine in any peace deal.

France and the U.K. are contemplating a possible military presence in Ukraine if peace is achieved. However, logistical details and U.S. support remain uncertain.