European leaders seek to strengthen support for Ukraine at London summit

Online desk:  More than a dozen European leaders gathered in London on Sunday for crisis talks aimed at boosting security cooperation and reaffirming support for Ukraine amid rising concerns over shifting dynamics in the conflict.

The summit was held against the backdrop of heightened tension following a contentious exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump.

As Western allies seek to reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine, the discussions come amid fears that Trump may undermine Kyiv’s position in negotiations with Russia. The gathering also served as a response to growing concerns about the future of U.S. support for NATO.

Zelensky, who was warmly received in London after his visit to Downing Street on Saturday, expressed gratitude for Britain’s steadfast support throughout the war. In a public display of solidarity, he embraced British Prime Minister Keir Starmer before their closed-door talks. Zelensky thanked the British people and government for their consistent backing, saying, “We are happy to have such strategic partners and to share the same vision of what a secure future should look like for all.”

Zelensky’s visit included a meeting with King Charles III, followed by the security summit with key European leaders from countries like France, Germany, Denmark, and Italy, as well as representatives from NATO and the European Union. The discussions focused on reinforcing security guarantees and ensuring a lasting peace for Ukraine while addressing growing concerns about the United States’ ongoing support for NATO.

“We must unite to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our collective future,” Prime Minister Starmer emphasized. Downing Street confirmed that the summit would prioritize discussions on a “strong lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace,” while also planning next steps for stronger security assurances.

Zelensky’s London visit followed a tense encounter in Washington, where he faced criticism from Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. During a heated exchange in the Oval Office, Trump accused Zelensky of ingratitude and criticized his refusal to accept proposed ceasefire terms, even suggesting that the Ukrainian leader’s actions could escalate the conflict into World War III. Despite this, Zelensky reaffirmed his position that there should be “no compromises” with Russian President Vladimir Putin in negotiations aimed at ending the war.

At the summit, Zelensky also announced a significant £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan agreement with the UK to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, to be repaid with the proceeds from immobilized Russian sovereign assets. Zelensky remarked, “This is true justice – the one who started the war must be the one to pay.” The funds will be directed toward weapons production within Ukraine.

Zelensky’s London trip came after a fraught interaction with Trump, who has alarmed Kyiv and European allies with his recent shift toward a more conciliatory stance toward Russia. Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to mediate between Putin and Zelensky, has sidelined Europe in his efforts to pursue a rapprochement with Moscow.

In the wake of the diplomatic tensions, Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelensky, calling him an “insolent pig” and dismissing his Washington trip as a failure. Meanwhile, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Trump for “switching the roles of victim and aggressor” in the conflict, adding that the recent events marked the beginning of a “new age of infamy.”

As Zelensky continues to navigate his country’s position in this volatile geopolitical landscape, the upcoming discussions in London are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of European security and Ukraine’s defense strategy.