European Leaders Meet in London to Support Ukraine and Address Security Concerns Amid US Policy Shifts Under Trump
More than a dozen European leaders are gathering in London to discuss ways to strengthen security cooperation and reaffirm their support for Ukraine. The meeting on Sunday comes in the wake of a dramatic rift at the White House between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump on Friday.
During the London summit, European leaders are expected to focus on providing military aid, increasing economic pressure on Russia, and reinforcing Ukraine’s position. Discussions will also center on securing a lasting peace deal, ensuring Ukraine can deter future Russian aggression, and planning robust security guarantees. Representatives from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Türkiye, NATO, and the European Union are set to attend.
This meeting precedes a summit in Brussels scheduled for Thursday, where the European Commission will announce a defense package for Europe, including Ukraine. The package aims to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and enhance regional security, emphasizing the need for a strong, lasting agreement to safeguard Kyiv’s sovereignty. European allies are increasingly concerned about Trump’s approach to negotiations with Russia, which many fear could weaken Ukraine’s position.
Zelenskyy arrived in London on Saturday and was warmly greeted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders shared a public embrace and announced a $2.84 billion loan agreement to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities, funded by profits from frozen Russian assets.
Tensions with Washington
Zelenskyy’s visit to London followed a tense encounter at the White House, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized him for rejecting proposed truce terms, accusing him of ingratitude. Trump also warned that Zelenskyy’s stance risked escalating the conflict into a global war. Despite the heated exchange, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine remains open to dialogue with the US.
“Despite the tough discussions, we remain strategic partners,” he wrote on X after the meeting. “But honesty and directness are essential to understanding our shared goals.”
European Concerns
Trump’s recent overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin have alarmed Kyiv and its European allies. Trump has positioned himself as a mediator between Putin and Zelenskyy, sidelining traditional diplomatic channels and prioritizing rapprochement with Moscow. Last week, Trump claimed “significant progress” had been made toward a peace deal in Ukraine, though details remain unclear.
As Zelenskyy left the White House, Trump took to social media, stating that the Ukrainian leader was not “ready for peace if America is involved.”
Following the confrontation, European leaders swiftly expressed their support for Zelenskyy. Friedrich Merz, expected to be Germany’s next chancellor, addressed Zelenskyy on X, stating: “We stand with Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.”
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Trump of “reversing the roles of victim and aggressor” in the conflict, warning that his actions marked the beginning of a “new age of infamy.”
French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that Russia is the “aggressor” in the Ukraine war and Ukrainians are the “aggressed people.”
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X: “Dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
The summit underscores Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid shifting US policies and growing concerns about the future of international diplomacy in the region.
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