United Kingdom to lead 'coalition of the willing' for peace in Ukraine

(Patria) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday confirmed plans to form a "coalition of the willing" to secure and implement any peace agreement in Ukraine, with the United Kingdom playing a leading role in this international effort.

Speaking at a press conference following a defence summit in London, Starmer reiterated Britain's commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of continued military aid and increased economic pressure on Russia.
- We will go a step further, developing a 'coalition of the willing' to protect a deal for Ukraine and secure peace - he said.

While acknowledging that not all countries may be able to contribute to this effort, he stressed that the world community cannot "sit idly by" while the war in Ukraine continues.

- Several countries have expressed their willingness to join the coalition, but it is up to them to announce it - he added.

Starmer made it clear that Ukraine must be involved in any peace negotiations, noting that while some nations may not wish to participate in military efforts, the coalition's goal is to ensure peace and stability across Europe.
This move aims to strengthen support for peace talks, which Starmer believes can only progress with a united international response.
Speaking about the role of the United States, Starmer hinted at a conversation with US President Donald Trump but declined to provide details.

- I would not take this step if I did not believe it would bring a positive outcome in terms of ensuring that Ukraine, Europe, the UK, and the US are moving towards lasting peace together - he said.

In addition to military support, Starmer announced additional financial assistance for Ukraine, including £1.6 billion ($2 billion) in UK export finance.

These funds are aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defence, including the purchase of over 5,000 anti-aircraft missiles, which will be manufactured in Belfast, thereby also strengthening the British defence industry.

He also emphasized the importance of avoiding "weak" peace agreements like the Minsk agreements.

- We cannot accept a weak agreement like Minsk - he stated, adding that this will be crucial for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthening Ukraine in securing peace when the time comes.

Starmer also responded to a question about whether he feared the West might diverge on its support for Ukraine, particularly in light of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's comments about avoiding such risks.

He agreed with Meloni, noting that he shares "great common ground" with her regarding the need for European unity. He also emphasized that Europe's security depends on close cooperation with the United States.

He also addressed concerns about a potential conflict between the UK and Russia.

Reiterating that the ultimate goal of the coalition and peace efforts is to ensure stability and avoid further conflict, he concluded:

- I do not want conflict in Ukraine, in Europe, and certainly not in the UK. I want stability in the UK.

Starmer highlighted that leaders at the summit agreed on four key steps:

- Continue sending military aid to Ukraine for as long as the war lasts and further increase economic pressure on Russia;

- Any lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine's sovereignty and security, and Kyiv must participate in all peace negotiations;

- In the event of a peace agreement, European leaders will work to deter Russia from any future invasions of Ukraine;

- A coalition of the willing will be created, ready to defend Ukraine and guarantee peace in the country.

Starmer emphasized that European unity is crucial at this time and that only through joint efforts can a future for Ukraine and the entire continent be secured.

The British Prime Minister was asked about the conflict in the White House between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, suggesting that the United States had become an unreliable ally and asking if the summit had discussed supporting Ukraine without relying on Trump.

Starmer responded:

- I do not accept that America is an unreliable ally.

He added that the United States has been a reliable partner for decades and continues to be so.

When asked why he believed Russia would sign a peace agreement drafted by Europe, without Moscow's participation, Starmer said:

- Of course, Russia must be part of the deal, but it cannot dictate the terms. Otherwise, we will not make any progress.

He warned that any agreement must be defended:

- We have seen ceasefires in the past without any guarantees, and Russia has regularly violated them. We must avoid such a situation.