In a significant diplomatic move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Downing Street this weekend. With tensions escalating over Russia’s ongoing aggression, the summit aims to unite European leaders to discuss a path forward for Ukraine.
The Upcoming Summit
Scheduled for Sunday, 2 March 2024, the summit is drawing leaders from across Europe, including France, Germany, and NATO representatives. Starmer’s office has emphasized that the primary focus will be on “strengthening Ukraine’s position” and ensuring robust military and economic support.
- Key leaders invited include:
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- Turkey, Norway, Poland, and Spain
Starmer aims to leverage this summit for cohesive European efforts towards a “just and enduring peace” for Ukraine, as echoed by various leaders in their supportive messages following recent tensions with the US.
Zelenskyy’s Visit to the UK
Zelenskyy is expected to meet not just Starmer but also King Charles on Sunday, marking a high-profile show of support from the British monarchy. This diplomatic visit comes in the wake of a controversial meeting with US President Donald Trump, who expressed uncertainty over ongoing US support for Ukraine.
Continued Support from the UK
Britain’s unwavering backing for Ukraine has been a defining aspect of its foreign policy since the onset of Russia’s invasion. The UK has pledged substantial military aid and has rallied European allies to do the same. Starmer’s administration is keen to reinforce these alliances during this pivotal moment for global security.
Potential Challenges Ahead
As discussions progress, questions remain regarding proposals for a European “reassurance force” to protect Ukraine, especially after emerging disagreements between Italian and French leadership. Meloni’s demands for clarification on troop deployment indicate the complexities involved in forming a unified European stance.
In the lead-up to the summit, Starmer has stressed the importance of including Ukraine in any negotiations aimed at reaching a resolution, asserting that “Europe must step up for the good of collective security” amid growing frustrations over Russia’s military actions.