Over a dozen European heads of state and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gathered in London on Sunday for a crucial defense summit aimed at advancing a comprehensive peace plan for Ukraine following a week of intense diplomatic discussions.
The summit, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focuses on strengthening Ukraine's position through sustained military support and increased economic pressure on Russia. Leaders emphasized the need for \"a strong, lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace in Ukraine and ensures that Ukraine can deter and defend against future Russian attacks,\" as stated by Starmer ahead of the event.
Participants include leaders from Ukraine, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, along with the presidents of the European Commission and European Council, were also in attendance, highlighting the summit's significance in shaping European security dynamics.
British Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the collective commitment of allies, stating, \"In partnership with our allies, we must intensify our preparations for the European element of security guarantees, alongside continued discussions with the United States,\" marking the Russia-Ukraine conflict as reaching \"a turning point.\"
The summit follows diplomatic tensions, including a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, which led to the cancellation of an anticipated minerals deal. Despite these challenges, a recent meeting between Zelenskyy and Starmer at 10 Downing Street reaffirmed the UK's \"unwavering determination\" to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.
Additionally, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko announced that Britain and Ukraine have agreed on a loan of 2.26 billion pounds ($2.84 billion) to support Ukraine's defense capabilities, underscoring the international community's dedication to bolstering Ukraine's resilience.
As the summit progresses, leaders are poised to outline actionable next steps designed to strengthen European security guarantees, fostering a unified and strategic approach to ensure peace and stability in the region.
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Western leaders gather in London to push for Ukraine peace plan
cgtn.com
