LONDON: British PM Keir Starmer said on Sunday that Europe was at a crossroads in history and must do the heavy lifting to defend itself as world leaders met in London to discuss ways of working together to stop Russia’s war in Ukraine. His call for European allies to increase their arms spending to shore up their own defences and Ukraine’s was not a sign that he thought the US had become an unreliable ally, he said. No two countries are closely aligned than the UK and the US, Starmer said. “One thing our history tells us is that if there is conflict in Europe, it will wash up on our shores,” he said.
The summit comes two days after US support for Ukraine appeared in greater jeopardy after President Trump lashed out at Ukrainian President Zelensky and said he wasn’t grateful enough for US support. Starmer hosted more than 19 world leaders, mostly from across Europe, and also Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. “Even while Russia talks about peace, they are continuing their relentless aggression,” Starmer said at the opening of the meeting. Starmer, flanked by Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, said the three of them had agreed to work on a plan to stop the fighting, and take that to the US, which has discussed brokering a peace deal. “We need to agree what steps come out of this meeting to deliver peace through strength for the benefit of all,” he said. “So, let’s get started.”
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned on Sunday that “we urgently have to rearm Europe”. Before the meeting, Von der Leyen said she would present a “comprehensive plan” at the EU summit, adding that “we have to have a surge in defence” and “step up massively”. “It’s now of utmost importance we increase spending … it’s important we prepare for the worst,” she added. Addressing Trump, she said: “We’re ready together with you to defend democracy, to defend the principle that there’s a rule of law, that you cannot invade your neighbour and bully your neighbour, or you cannot change borders with force. It’s in our common interest that we prevent future wars.”
Italian PM Meloni met with Zelensky on the sidelines of the London meeting on Sunday, reaffirming Italy’s support for Ukraine. Her office said she expressed support, together with European and Western partners and the US, “to build a just and lasting peace, which ensures a future of sovereignty, security and freedom for Ukraine”. It was in line with Italy’s position through the war while keeping the US in the picture.
The leaders of the three Baltic states have not publicly criticised the decision not to include them in London’s meeting. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have in the past seen major powers make decisions over their heads.
