Key Points:
- UK offers £1.6bn ($2bn) in export finance for 5,000+ air defense missiles for Ukraine
- PM Starmer unveils 4-step peace plan at London summit with Western leaders
- Deal to create 200 new jobs in Northern Ireland, support 700 existing positions
- European leaders aim to take lead in peace efforts, seek continued US backing
- Summit follows tense meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump in Washington
London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a landmark £1.6 billion ($2 billion) deal to provide Ukraine with over 5,000 air defense missiles, marking a significant escalation in Western support for Kyiv. The agreement, unveiled at a high-profile summit in London, aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and bolster its position in potential peace negotiations.
“This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening Ukraine,” Starmer declared at a press conference following the summit. The deal is not just a boost for Ukraine’s security but also for the UK economy, set to create 200 new jobs in Northern Ireland and support 700 existing positions at Thales’ Belfast factory.
Four-Step Peace Plan Emerges from London Summit
The London summit, attended by more than a dozen European heads of state and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, resulted in a four-step plan to secure lasting peace in Ukraine:
- Maintain military aid to Ukraine while increasing economic pressure on Russia
- Ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security in any peace agreement, with Kyiv at the negotiating table
- Deter future Russian aggression through enhanced defensive capabilities
- Establish a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine and uphold peace
Europe Steps Up as US Support Wavers
The summit comes at a critical juncture, just days after a tense meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump in Washington. With concerns mounting over potential shifts in US support, European leaders are positioning themselves to take a more prominent role in peace efforts.
Starmer emphasized the need for continued US backing while asserting Europe’s readiness to shoulder more responsibility. “If there is to be peace, it must be defended,” he stated, announcing that the UK, France, and other allies were prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine if a peace deal is reached.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As Europe rallies behind Ukraine, the road to peace remains fraught with challenges. The success of Starmer’s initiative will depend on maintaining unity among allies and securing continued support from the US. With the UK increasing its defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, this latest move signals a long-term commitment to European security and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The coming weeks will be crucial as leaders work to translate the summit’s agreements into concrete actions, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Europe for years to come.
