The United Kingdom and France have agreed to work with Ukraine on a potential ceasefire plan to end the ongoing war, with the goal of presenting it to U.S. President Donald Trump for approval. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined this initiative following a tense exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The diplomatic push comes as European leaders seek to secure a lasting peace while ensuring continued Western support for Kyiv.
Starmer, who has positioned himself as a key mediator, emphasized the importance of bridging the divide between Trump and Zelensky. After their contentious Oval Office meeting, Zelensky arrived in London, where he was warmly received by Starmer at Downing Street. Their discussions took place ahead of a broader summit involving European leaders, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Zelenskyy was also scheduled to meet King Charles, signaling the UK’s continued commitment to Ukraine’s cause.
While Starmer acknowledged the discomfort surrounding the Washington meeting, he reiterated his belief that Trump ultimately seeks a lasting peace. However, skepticism remains among European allies, particularly given Trump’s recent comments labeling Zelenskyy a “dictator” and his criticism of the European Union. Trump has also suggested that Ukraine should prioritize securing economic agreements, such as mineral extraction partnerships, over military aid. His stance has raised concerns about a potential shift in U.S. policy away from unconditional support for Kyiv.
The diplomatic effort has seen the involvement of other key figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meloni, who maintains strong ties with both Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, has avoided publicly taking sides in the recent tensions but has reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to Ukraine. She has also proposed a meeting between Trump and European leaders to prevent divisions within the Western alliance.
European leaders remain firm in their stance that any ceasefire agreement must come with a U.S. security guarantee to prevent further Russian aggression. Discussions at the summit in London are expected to focus on securing such a commitment, alongside ongoing military and economic support for Ukraine. As the war nears its fourth year, the diplomatic stakes are higher than ever, with hopes that a unified Western approach can lead to meaningful progress toward peace.
