U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a meeting that saw leaders of 18 countries at Lancaster House convene to discuss the foundation of a potential ceasefire with Russia that includes strong security guarantees for Ukraine.
Held on March 2 and called the European Defense Summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and representatives of international institutions, including NATO head Mark Rutte, and the European Union attended the event.
“The leaders discussed continued financial support for Ukraine’s defense industry, including investments in domestic arms production, as well as increased funding for Europe’s defense sector,” the Ukrainian president’s office said.
Specifically, representatives from Ukraine, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Norway, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Romania, and Türkiye, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also participated.
They unanimously reiterated their support for Ukraine and confirmed that sanctions against Russia, including holding frozen Russian assets, will remain in place until a lasting peace is achieved.
“The ceasefire should begin with the exchange of prisoners and the return of [Ukrainian] children. This step will demonstrate Russia’s genuine intent for peace,” their joint statement read.
The role of the United States in ensuring sufficient support and maintaining transatlantic unity to end the war was also emphasized.
Starmer reiterated that Ukraine must continue receiving military aid from its partners, and that economic pressure on Russia must remain in place. He also stressed that any lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
A peace agreement must involve Russia, but the Kremlin cannot dictate its terms. Moreover, Kyiv must be included in any peace negotiations, the leaders agreed.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russia’s demand for the “demilitarization” of Ukraine “unacceptable.”
“We must learn from the past,” said European Council President António Costa.
“We cannot repeat the Minsk experience,” he said regarding the two failed ceasefires that were brokered after Russia’s initial invasion in 2014 when the Crimean Peninsula was illegally annexed.
According to German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, Costa said that “we cannot repeat the tragedy of Afghanistan. To avoid this, we need reliable security guarantees. Peacekeeping must go hand in hand with maintaining peace.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Ukraine must be turned into a “steel porcupine”, indigestible for potential invaders, and announced an increase in defense expenditures.
“It is now of utmost importance to step up the defence investment for a prolonged period of time. It’s for the security of the European Union. And we need, in the strategic environment in which we live, to prepare for the worst, and therefore stepping up the defense,” she said.
The summit participants agreed to form a “coalition of the willing” to protect Ukraine and guarantee peace in the country.
Work will continue on developing a specific peace plan, based on proposals from France and the UK.
French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested a month-long ceasefire for Ukraine, covering air, sea, as well as energy sectors.
Starmer confirmed that the UK is also ready to close the skies over Ukraine to ensure its safety. The plan will be presented to the United States for consideration.
The summit took place amid deteriorating relations between Washington and Kyiv, following a dispute between Zelenskyy and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, and growing tensions between the U.S. and European countries.
A stronger defense plan for Europe will be unveiled at the next meeting of European leaders.
Cover: European Union
