02.03.2025 21:20
The summit addressing issues such as security guarantees for Ukraine and the establishment of lasting peace has concluded in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. Following the summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a four-step support plan for Ukraine. Starmer stated, "We will form a coalition to maintain peace. Not every country may be able to contribute, but that does not mean we will sit back and watch."
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The summit, which started at 14:00 local time to address issues such as security guarantees for Ukraine and the establishment of lasting peace in the country, has concluded in London, the capital of the United Kingdom.
NUMEROUS LEADERS ATTENDED
Leaders and ministers from Ukraine, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania attended the summit held at the historic Lancaster House complex of the UK Foreign Office, with the main agenda item being lasting peace in Ukraine and European security. Additionally, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, representing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, participated in the summit.
AFTER THE TRUMP-ZELENSKY DISPUTE, THE UKRAINE ISSUE IS AT THE FOREFRONT
Following the discussion that took place between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 28 in Washington, the summit also addressed the role the US would take in providing security guarantees to Ukraine and its support for the country. Furthermore, the leaders discussed the need for a strong and lasting agreement that would ensure deterrence and defense against future Russian attacks, as well as planning for strong security guarantees alongside lasting peace in Ukraine.
STARMER: WE WILL FORM A COALITION TO MAINTAIN PEACE
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated at a press conference following the summit, "We will form a coalition to maintain peace in Ukraine. Not every country may be able to contribute, but that does not mean we can sit back and watch."
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO ENHANCE UKRAINE'S DEFENSE CAPABILITIES"
Starmer emphasized that they would continue to send military aid to Ukraine and increase economic pressure on Russia to strengthen Kyiv, stating, "We agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine's sovereignty and security, and that Ukraine must be at the table. We will continue to enhance Ukraine's own defense capabilities."
UKRAINE SIGNED A LOAN AGREEMENT WITH THE UK FOR WEAPONS PRODUCTION
Before the summit, Starmer held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky. During the meeting, a loan agreement was signed between the two countries. Zelensky stated in a social media post regarding the meeting that the funds from this agreement would be directed towards weapons production in Ukraine, adding, "This loan will enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities and will be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets. This is true justice. Those who started the war must pay the price. I thank the people and government of the UK for their tremendous support since the beginning of the war. We are pleased to have such a strategic partner and to share the same vision regarding a secure future."
STARMER: WE MUST FOCUS ON LASTING PEACE IN UKRAINE
In an interview with the BBC, Starmer recounted watching the dispute between Trump and Zelensky in his office, stating, "No one wants to see this. That day, I immediately called President Trump and President Zelensky. Because in my opinion, we need to focus on lasting peace in Ukraine, which is important for the security and defense of Europe and the UK." Starmer also mentioned that they agreed with Ukraine to work on a plan to end the war together with France and one or two other countries, which would later be discussed with the US.
MELONI: IF WE DIVIDE, IT WILL WEAKEN US
Before the summit, Starmer also held a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meloni stated, "I think it is very important that we prevent the risk of division in the West regarding the establishment of lasting peace in Ukraine. At this point, the UK and Italy can play a unifying role. I also proposed a summit between the US and European leaders. If we divide, it will weaken us."
FIDAN WILL COMMUNICATE TURKEY'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PROCESS TO THE COUNTERPARTS
According to information obtained from Turkish diplomatic sources, it is anticipated that Minister Fidan will discuss the topics related to the Russia-Ukraine war, including President Trump's recent negotiation-focused initiative, and communicate Turkey's potential contributions to the counterparts during the meeting. It is also expected that Minister Fidan will emphasize Turkey's efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war with a fair and lasting peace and confirm Turkey's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. Additionally, it is anticipated that Minister Fidan will highlight Turkey's readiness to continue its role as a host for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which took place in March 2022, and that establishing lasting security, economic prosperity, and stability in the region should be a common goal for all parties during future negotiation periods.
WHAT HAPPENED?
During the meeting held on February 28 in the Oval Office between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky, a dispute occurred, leading to the cancellation of a previously planned joint press conference, and Zelensky left the White House.
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During the discussion, while Trump criticized the stance of the Ukrainian leader, Zelensky also expressed his expectations for support for his country. Following the discussion, the rare earth elements agreement had not been signed.
President Trump, in a statement made on his Truth Social account after the heated discussion in the Oval Office, argued that Zelensky was not yet ready for peace. In an interview with Fox News, when asked whether he would apologize to Trump, Zelensky responded that he had not done anything wrong that would require an apology.
A number of European leaders had shared their support for Ukraine following the discussion. After leaving the Oval Office, Zelensky had arrived in London. After the discussion at the White House, the topic of Ukraine and the leaders' summit to be held in London had taken the top spot on the agenda.