Summit on Strengthening Ukraine and Its Military Support Takes Place in UK

A meeting of international leaders in London on 2 March discusses strengthening Ukraine's position, including continued military support, increased economic pressure on Russia, as well as achieving a just peace and developing strong security guarantees for Ukraine.

According to Sky News, about 19 world leaders gathered at Lancaster House in central London.

On Sunday morning, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni in his office, after which the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Romania joined the summit in central London. The summit is also attended by the Turkish Foreign Minister, the NATO Secretary General, and the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council.

At the start of the summit, Starmer said that European leaders must step up to the plate at this ‘once-in-a-generation moment’.  ‘We are here today because this is a once-in-a-generation moment for Europe's security, and we must all step up,’ he said.

Turning to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was sitting next to him, the Prime Minister said: ‘I hope you know that we are all with you and with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes, all of us sitting at this table.’

Zelenskyy has also already met with Georgia Meloni. ‘I had a productive meeting with the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni to develop a joint action plan for ending the war with a just and lasting peace.

No one other than Putin is interested in the continuation and quick return of the war. Therefore, it is important to maintain unity around Ukraine and strengthen our country's position in cooperation with our allies – the countries of Europe and the United States.

Ukraine needs peace backed by robust security guarantees.

I am grateful to Italy for its continued support and partnership in bringing peace in Ukraine closer,’ the Ukrainian leader wrote on Facebook.

The summit concludes a week of intense diplomatic activity by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during which he announced an increase in UK defence spending and visited Washington ‘to talk to President Trump about the security of the UK and Europe’.

The summit discusses the following issues: strengthening Ukraine's position now, including continued military support and increased economic pressure on Russia; the need for a strong and lasting agreement that will ensure Ukraine's sustainable peace and ability to deter and defend itself against future Russian attacks; and further steps to develop strong security guarantees.

‘Three years have passed since Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, and we now stand at a crucial juncture. Today, I will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and redouble my commitment to provide resources, training and assistance to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Together with our allies, we must step up preparations for the European component of the security guarantees, while continuing negotiations with the United States,’ said Keir Starmer.

According to him, there is now ‘a unique opportunity to come together to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine that guarantees its sovereignty and security’.

‘Now is the time for our unity to guarantee the best possible outcome for Ukraine, protect European security and secure our common future,’ the British prime minister stressed.

As The Gaze previously reported, Zelenskyy arrived in the UK on 1 March after meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom met in London.

‘I had an important and warm meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During our talks, we discussed the challenges facing Ukraine and the whole of Europe today, coordination with partners, concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine's position and end the war in a just peace, as well as reliable security guarantees,’ Zelenskyy said.

Following the meeting, the UK and Ukraine signed an agreement to provide Kyiv with a loan of about $3 billion for the purchase of defence products.