Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to engage in high-level discussions with European leaders on Friday, March 7 as part of the UK’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure peace in Ukraine.

His conversations will follow a summit of EU leaders focused on increasing military support for Ukraine and enhancing Europe’s defense capabilities.

During the summit, the 27 EU nations agreed to loosen budgetary restrictions, allowing member states to boost military spending, potentially unlocking approximately 650 billion euros (£545 billion). Additionally, a commitment was made to provide Ukraine with 30.6 billion euros (£26 billion) in 2025 to support President Volodymyr Zelensky’s resistance against Russia.

Starmer will speak with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The call will also include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are seeking support from international allies for a potential peacekeeping force, though Russia has strongly opposed such plans. The initiative is part of broader efforts to stabilize the region while deterring further aggression from Moscow.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey underscored Britain’s commitment, stating that U.S. President Donald Trump had urged Europe to take greater responsibility in supporting Ukraine. “He has asked Europe to step up, and we are,” Healey remarked following discussions in Washington with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Hegseth, in turn, expressed optimism regarding Europe’s growing role, describing the UK’s leadership as “very encouraging.” He dismissed claims that the U.S. was shifting towards a “pro-Russia” stance, asserting that “Trump is working with both sides in a way that only President Trump can.“

Amid these developments, negotiations between Ukraine and the U.S. appear to be resuming, with Zelensky confirming a round of peace talks scheduled in Saudi Arabia next week. This follows an earlier announcement from a Trump administration envoy indicating that discussions were being organized.

However, uncertainty remains regarding a crucial minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, which was expected to be finalized before a dramatic Oval Office dispute last week. In response, the U.S. temporarily halted military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.

Despite these setbacks, Hegseth reassured reporters that Trump remains “very encouraged by the signs we’re seeing” from Kyiv, hinting at possible progress in the diplomatic efforts.

UK Defends NATO Commitment

The debate over NATO’s role in European defense was reignited after Trump suggested that the U.S. would not defend alliance members failing to meet defense spending targets. However, UK’s Health Minister Stephen Kinnock dismissed concerns over these remarks, stating they pose “no issues.“

“Even before Trump took office, the U.S. has been challenging NATO members to step up and boost their defense capability. Now, through the leadership of our Prime Minister, we’re seeing the European arm of NATO come together to meet that challenge.”
Stephen Kinnock

UK Health Minister Stephen Kinnock — Stephen Kinnock

Starmer’s diplomatic efforts underscore the UK’s resolve to maintain strong transatlantic relations while reinforcing European security. He has emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, aligning with both NATO allies and Commonwealth partners.

Officials from around 20 countries, primarily from Europe and the Commonwealth, participated in discussions on Wednesday regarding the formation of a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine. Not all nations involved are expected to commit troops to a peacekeeping force, but many are exploring other means of contributing to regional stability.

Russia has condemned the UK’s latest efforts, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warning that NATO’s involvement in Ukraine could escalate the conflict. “This would be the direct, official, and unveiled involvement of NATO members in the war against Russia, and it can’t be allowed,” Lavrov asserted.

Despite Russia’s opposition, European leaders continue to push for diplomatic solutions while ensuring Ukraine has the necessary military and financial backing to withstand ongoing hostilities. With peace talks on the horizon and international support growing, the coming weeks may prove crucial in shaping the future of the conflict.