European Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine at London Conference
European state and government leaders have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression, at a conference in London. The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, stated that the focus must be on placing Ukraine in the strongest possible position, with any agreement being backed by strength.
The leaders agreed to maintain military aid and to increase economic pressure on Russia. They also concurred that a lasting peace must ensure the sovereignty and security of Ukraine and that Ukraine must be at the negotiating table.
In the event of a peace agreement, the leaders plan to further build up Ukraine’s defensive capabilities to prevent future invasions. Additionally, they aim to form a “coalition of the willing” to defend an agreement in Ukraine and guarantee a peace.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Ukraine needs a strong army for the time after a ceasefire or potential peace agreement. He also deemed Russia’s demand for Ukraine’s demilitarization as unacceptable.
The conference was attended by various European state and government leaders, the NATO Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, as well as the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.
The conference was convened by Starmer prior to the historic spat between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, in which the US leadership accused Zelensky of ingratitude and “playing with the Third World War”.