02
Mar
Mar
EUROPEAN LEADERS UNITE IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE, AGREE TO DRAW UP PEACE PLAN
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CapitalTimesNews / 6 days
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- 2 min read
European leaders have rallied behind Ukraine, agreeing to draw up a peace plan to present to the United States. The move comes after a tumultuous meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump, which raised concerns about Washington’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who welcomed Zelenskiy to London on Saturday, said European leaders had agreed to form a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine. “We are at a crossroads in history today,” Starmer said. “This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace.” Zelenskiy, who met with King Charles at his private residence in eastern England on Sunday, expressed gratitude for the European leaders’ support. “European unity is at an extremely high level not seen for a long time,” he wrote on Telegram. The European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the need for European nations to increase defense spending to demonstrate their ability to protect themselves. “After a long time of underinvestment, it is now of utmost importance to step up the defence investment for a prolonged period of time,” she said. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that European leaders agreed to take on more responsibility for defense spending within NATO. “We need to keep close ties with the US,” he added. The Trump administration has continued to criticize Zelenskiy, with White House national security adviser Mike Waltz suggesting that the US needs a Ukrainian leader willing to secure a lasting peace with Russia. Despite the challenges, Starmer expressed optimism about the prospects for a peace deal. “Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing,” he said.
