UK and France to Work with Ukraine on Peace Plan and Present it to US, says Starmer – wna24

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK and France, along with potentially other allies, will collaborate with Ukraine to develop a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. The plan will be presented to the United States for discussion, Starmer revealed in an interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.

“I think we’ve got a step in the right direction,” Starmer said, following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron.

“The United Kingdom, along with France and possibly one or two others, will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, and then we’ll discuss that plan with the United States,” he added.

While advocating for a ceasefire, Starmer stressed that any agreement must be enforceable and durable. He warned against a situation where Russia could exploit a temporary pause to regroup and launch further offensives.

“What I am clear about is that if there is to be a deal, if there is to be a stopping of the fighting, then that agreement has to be defended, because the worst of all outcomes is that there is a temporary pause, and then Putin comes again,” Starmer said.

“For me, the components of a lasting peace are a strong Ukraine to fight on, if necessary, to be in a position of strength; to negotiate a European element to security guarantees, and that’s why I’ve been forward-leaning on this about what we would do; and a US backstop.  That’s the package, all three parts need to be in place, and that’s what I’m working hard to bring together,” Starmer added. 

Starmer also addressed the recent heated exchange between Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, admitting that he “felt uncomfortable” watching their confrontation.

The British prime minister emphasized the importance of maintaining unity among Western allies and refocusing on achieving a sustainable peace.

“Nobody wants to see that,” he said when asked about the clash. Starmer confirmed that he had spoken to both Trump and Zelenskyy after the argument in an effort to ease tensions. He said his role was to “bridge” differences and bring attention back to “supporting Ukraine to stop the fighting in the long term.”

As military support from the U.S. remains uncertain following the collapse of negotiations over a minerals deal, European leaders are gathering in London today to discuss Ukraine. The UK and its European allies are seeking stronger security guarantees, including air defence commitments, to ensure Ukraine’s stability. It isn’t exactly clear what leverage they have over the US to make Washington change its mind. 

With Starmer recently announcing the largest increase in UK defence spending since the Cold War, he is expected to urge European nations to boost their own military capabilities to prepare for future threats from Russia—especially given the growing uncertainty around U.S. involvement.

While details of the proposed peace plan remain unclear, Starmer’s announcement signals a renewed push from Europe to take a more active role in shaping the future of Ukraine’s security and ending the war. However, many analysts are skeptical. UK, after all, doesn’t even posses nuclear weapons that it can operate without American help.