UK Prime Minister Hosts Summit to "Drive Forward" Action on Ukraine and Security
European Leaders Converge on London for Talks
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has invited over a dozen European and EU leaders to a Sunday summit to "drive forward" action on Ukraine and security, his office announced. The summit aims to "signal our collective unwavering support to securing a just and enduring peace, and a lasting deal, that ensures Ukraine’s future sovereignty and security."
Pre-Summit Meetings
Ahead of the main summit, Starmer will chair a morning call with Baltic nations, before welcoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street to discuss the war with Russia. This is in addition to one-on-one talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to be held at Downing Street before the summit starts.
Rift between Italy and France
A rift has emerged between the Italian and French leaders over proposals to send a European "reassurance force" of fewer than 30,000 soldiers to protect Ukraine in the event of war. Meloni has demanded to know who Macron was speaking for when he raised the issue during his meeting with US President Donald Trump, to which Macron replied he was only speaking on behalf of France.
Summit Objectives
The Sunday summit will focus on "strengthening Ukraine’s position now – including ongoing military support and increased economic pressure on Russia." Starmer will also stress the need for a "strong lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace" and discuss "next steps on planning for strong security guarantees."
US Involvement
Fresh from his talks with Trump in the White House, Starmer has invited the leaders of Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania to the summit. NATO chief Mark Rutte, as well as EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, will also attend.
Conclusion
The summit is a crucial step in driving forward European action on Ukraine and security. With the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the need for a strong and lasting deal is more pressing than ever. The UK’s efforts to bring European leaders together to discuss next steps on planning for strong security guarantees are a key step towards achieving this goal.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the summit?
A: The summit aims to "drive forward" action on Ukraine and security, and to "signal our collective unwavering support to securing a just and enduring peace, and a lasting deal, that ensures Ukraine’s future sovereignty and security."
Q: Who has been invited to the summit?
A: Over a dozen European and EU leaders, including those from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, NATO, and the EU, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Q: What are the main objectives of the summit?
A: The summit will focus on "strengthening Ukraine’s position now – including ongoing military support and increased economic pressure on Russia," as well as discussing "next steps on planning for strong security guarantees."