European Leaders Formulate Ukraine Peace Plan Amid Tensions with U.S.

London – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that European leaders have agreed to draft a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States, a crucial step in securing Washington’s commitment to Kyiv’s security. The move comes just days after a heated confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump, which resulted in Zelenskiy cutting short his visit to Washington.

At a summit in London, European leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine, pledging to enhance their defence spending and strengthen security measures to demonstrate Europe’s ability to defend itself. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested easing existing debt rules to facilitate increased military expenditure.

A Coalition for Peace

Starmer, who warmly received a visibly shaken Zelenskiy, emphasized the need for decisive action. “This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act, to lead, and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace,” he declared. Britain, France, Ukraine, and several other nations will form a “coalition of the willing” to develop a peace proposal for the U.S. administration.

Although details of the plan remain undisclosed, French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier outlined a proposal involving a one-month ceasefire that would halt air and sea attacks while allowing ground combat to continue. He also suggested deploying European troops if a broader peace agreement were reached, though it remains unclear whether other European leaders have agreed to such terms.

Following the summit, Zelenskiy expressed confidence in European backing. “There will be diplomacy for the sake of peace,” he stated in his nightly address. “And for the sake of us all standing together—Ukraine, Europe, and most definitely, the United States.”

U.S.-Ukraine Tensions and European Concerns

Zelenskiy made it clear that Ukraine would not surrender any territory to Russia as part of a peace deal, reiterating his willingness to sign a minerals agreement with the U.S. Despite Friday’s confrontation with Trump, he expressed hope for rebuilding ties, albeit in private discussions.

The fallout from the Oval Office clash has heightened European concerns that Washington may sideline Kyiv in future peace negotiations, potentially imposing a settlement dictated by Moscow. To counter this, European leaders are emphasizing increased defence spending, a move they hope will reassure Trump and secure continued U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine.

Von der Leyen underscored the need for sustained military investment. “After years of underinvestment, it is now of utmost importance to step up defence spending for a prolonged period,” she said. She also stressed Europe’s goal to make Ukraine a “steel porcupine”—impenetrable to potential invaders.”

Securing U.S. Support for European Peace Efforts

Given Europe’s dependence on U.S. military resources, including advanced weaponry and intelligence capabilities, leaders are working to persuade Washington to provide strategic support for European peacekeeping efforts. Discussions have focused on the U.S. offering air cover, surveillance, and a credible deterrent against further Russian aggression.

Starmer acknowledged the challenge of achieving unanimity on defence spending, but signaled the UK’s commitment by increasing military expenditure ahead of his recent Washington visit. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte revealed that several European nations have quietly pledged additional defence funding but refrained from sharing specifics.

Trump’s Shifting U.S. Policy on Ukraine

Since returning to office, Trump has unsettled European allies by casting doubt on America’s long-standing support for Ukraine. His latest comments further signaled a shift in focus, with the former president posting on Truth Social, “We should spend less time worrying about Putin, and more time worrying about migrant rape gangs, drug lords, murderers, and people from mental institutions entering our country—so that we don’t end up like Europe!”

Trump has also alarmed European leaders by engaging Moscow without prior consultation, including an unannounced call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and sending a U.S. delegation to Saudi Arabia for discussions that excluded both Ukraine and Europe.

In a rare direct rebuke, Trump accused Zelenskiy of lacking gratitude for U.S. military aid—a charge the Ukrainian leader firmly rejected. “There has not been a day when we have not felt immense gratitude toward Washington,” Zelenskiy responded.

Navigating a New Geopolitical Landscape

The diplomatic fallout has intensified Europe’s urgency to secure a stable security arrangement for Ukraine, with or without full U.S. backing. Starmer, who described the Oval Office confrontation between Trump and Zelenskiy as “uncomfortable viewing,” has positioned himself as a mediator between European allies and Washington.

In a symbolic demonstration of European solidarity, Zelenskiy later met with King Charles at his private residence in eastern England. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continued its critique, with White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz telling CNN that the U.S. “needs a Ukrainian leader willing to secure a lasting peace with Russia.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised Trump’s “common sense” approach, accusing European nations of prolonging the war by propping up Zelenskiy “with their bayonets in the form of peacekeeping units.”

Despite these challenges, European leaders have pledged to ensure Ukraine remains central to any peace negotiations while strengthening its defence capabilities. “Europe must do the heavy lifting,” Starmer stated, “but for this effort to succeed, it must have strong U.S. backing.”