Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to speak with European leaders on Friday as diplomatic efforts continue to lay the groundwork for a potential Ukraine-Russia peace deal. His discussions follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement that talks with the US will resume next week, a significant development after weeks of strained relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Europe Pushes for Peacekeeping Force
Both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are rallying support for a multinational peacekeeping force, a proposal that Russia has firmly rejected. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary John Healey, currently in Washington for high-level talks, stated that President Trump has asked Europe to step up, and we are.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed the UK and France’s leadership role, dismissing claims that Washington had shifted to a pro-Russia stance as “garbage”. He insisted that Trump is working on a resolution “in a way that only he can”.
Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine-US talks will take place in Saudi Arabia next week, expressing hope that they will be “meaningful”.
“Ukraine has been seeking peace since the very first moment of the war, and we have always stated that the war continues solely because of Russia,” he said in a social media post.
EU Approves €650 Billion Defence Package
While Ukraine continues to seek military and diplomatic support, European leaders approved a new defence spending plan on Thursday, unlocking up to €650 billion (£545.5 billion) to bolster the continent’s military capabilities.
The move comes as the Trump administration signals that Europe may need to take greater responsibility for its own defence. However, despite agreeing on the financial package, EU leaders failed to issue a joint statement backing Ukraine.
Zelenskyy, speaking at the summit in Brussels, acknowledged the support but hinted at growing frustrations.
“We are very thankful that we are not alone,” he said upon arrival.
Macron Weighs Nuclear Protection for Europe
In a stark warning ahead of the summit, Macron labelled Russia a direct threat to France and Europe, prompting a sharp rebuke from the Kremlin. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned Macron’s remarks as “extremely confrontational”, claiming that “France is more focused on war than peace”.
Adding to the geopolitical tension, Macron has floated the idea of extending France’s nuclear deterrent to protect Europe, should threats from Russia escalate.
In a televised address on Wednesday, he revealed that Moscow is ramping up military spending to 40% of its budget and plans to expand its forces with 300,000 additional soldiers, 3,000 tanks, and 300 fighter jets by 2030.
Timeline: A Month of Tension in Ukraine-US Relations
In the past month, President Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine has upended long-standing assumptions about US support for European security. Here’s a breakdown of key developments:
- Friday: A heated exchange in the Oval Office saw Trump accuse Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War Three” and tell him to “come back when he is ready for peace”. US Vice President JD Vance reportedly called Zelenskyy “disrespectful”.
- Talks collapsed before the finalisation of a critical minerals deal aimed at repaying US aid to Ukraine, leaving its future uncertain.
- Monday: Trump ordered a pause on US military aid to Ukraine, adding urgency to EU discussions in Brussels.
- Tuesday: Zelenskyy described Friday’s meeting as “regrettable”, admitting that it “did not go the way it was supposed to”.
- It’s been reported that Zelenskyy’s social media post summarised a formal ceasefire proposal drafted by him, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
- Despite the earlier fallout, Trump publicly praised Zelenskyy in a speech to Congress, stating that the Ukrainian leader had expressed appreciation for US support and was ready to sign a deal.
- Wednesday: The US halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe called the move a “pause”, stating that intelligence and military aid could resume once Trump is convinced that Zelenskyy is serious about peace.
A Critical Juncture in the War
As Ukraine prepares for renewed US talks, European leaders are doubling down on military investments and diplomatic manoeuvres. The next few weeks will prove crucial in determining whether Trump’s strategy leads to a peace agreement or further destabilisation.
