Britain and France are working together on a new peace initiative for Ukraine, aiming to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. This plan will be presented to U.S. President Donald Trump, as both nations seek to establish a framework for long-term stability. The move comes after a tense meeting at the White House, where discussions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy became strained due to disagreements over a rare earth minerals deal and approaches to negotiations with Russia. The fallout from this meeting has raised concerns about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the continued support for Kyiv.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the necessity of U.S. involvement to ensure the effectiveness of any ceasefire agreement. He stated that a security guarantee from the United States is crucial to deter further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Starmer added that a European-led peacekeeping force would require U.S. backing to provide real assurances for Ukraine's security.
To advance this initiative, Starmer is set to host a summit in London with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The goal of the summit is to consolidate European support for Ukraine and develop a comprehensive strategy to achieve a sustainable peace. This approach underscores a collective European effort to address the conflict, especially in light of the recent diplomatic challenges between the U.S. and Ukraine.
The proposed peace plan reflects a proactive stance by European nations to facilitate dialogue and stability in the region. By presenting a united front and engaging directly with both Ukraine and the United States, the UK and France aim to revitalize peace efforts and prevent further escalation of the conflict. This initiative also seeks to reassure Ukraine of continued European support amid growing uncertainty about the role of the U.S. in the war effort.
