Starmer calls on Europe to ‘step up’ to ensure security for Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told European leaders that they all need to “step up” to a “once-in-a-generation moment” for the security of the continent, at a summit in London aimed at strengthening military cooperation and reaffirming support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Starmer said on Sunday that getting a good outcome for Ukraine was “vital to the security of every nation here and many others, too”.

He was flanked by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron during the official photo to mark the start of talks, which more than a dozen European leaders are attending.

Earlier on Sunday, Starmer said the United Kingdom, France and Ukraine had agreed to work on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States.

The summit is taking place two days after talks broke down between US President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy, when Trump blasted Zelenskyy for not being grateful enough for US support.

Sunday’s summit is likely to include talks on establishing a European military force to be sent to Ukraine to underpin a lasting ceasefire and ensure Ukraine can deter future Russian aggression.