The United Kingdom and France will collaborate with Ukraine on a plan to halt the fighting with Russia, which will later be shared with the United States, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday.
“The United Kingdom, along with France and possibly one or two others, will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, and then we’ll discuss that plan with the United States,” Starmer told the BBC.
Starmer is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders for a summit on the war, which has gained fresh urgency following Zelensky’s tense exchange with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Addressing the diplomatic rift, Starmer said, “Nobody wants to see” such confrontations and maintained that “I am clear in my mind that he (Trump) does want a lasting peace.”
Positioning himself as a bridge between Europe and the US, Starmer met with Trump in Washington on Thursday.
He emphasised the need for a collective approach, stating, “We have to find a way that we can all work together. Because, in the end, we’ve had three years of bloody conflict. Now we need to get to that lasting peace.”
The prime minister outlined key elements of a potential peace agreement, stressing the importance of a “strong Ukraine” that could defend itself if needed, European-led security guarantees, and a US commitment as a “backstop.”
He warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could attempt further aggression if given the chance, making security assurances essential.
“I’ve been so centrally focused on what a guarantee is. How do we defend the line if a line is agreed?” he asked.
Where that dividing line would be remains a matter for discussion, he added, leaving room for future diplomatic negotiations.
