Starmer added that “fierce debate” to obtain security guarantees from the United States is one of three elements of lasting peace.
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer said on March 2 that he is working on a ceasefire plan to present to the US as Britain, France and Ukraine prepare to host European leaders in debate to end the Russian Crane War.
The Star Capitol is in contrast to the Ukrainian President Voldy Mie Zelensky’s conference held at the White House on Friday, during which US President Donald Trump scolded him for not being prepared for peace and not appreciating America’s support in his country’s defense against Russia’s three-year invasion.
Priorities said it is working to restore peace debate, using Friday’s breakdown as an opportunity to remarry Trump, Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, rather than “increasing rhetoric.”
“We have now agreed to work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, along with Britain, France and perhaps one or two others, and we will discuss the plans with the US,” Starmer told the BBC.
At Sunday’s summit, European leaders aim to reinforce the continent’s defense to protect Ukraine. Priority suggested that the military would include a “coalition of will.”
He doesn’t trust Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he said that his priorities are that he trusts Trump.
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“When I said Donald Trump wanted peace, do I believe it? The answer to that is yes,” he said.
Starmer added that “fierce debate” to obtain security guarantees from the United States is one of three elements of lasting peace.
“If there is a deal, if there is a suspension of combat, that agreement must be defensive because the worst outcome of all outcomes is a temporary pause and Putin comes again,” Starmer said. “It’s happened in the past. I think it’s a real risk. That’s why we have to ensure that if we have a transaction it’s a permanent transaction rather than a temporary suspension.”
The summit will be held at Lancaster House, the 200-year-old mansion near Buckingham Palace. It also includes leaders from France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Rome.
Other attendees include the Turkish Foreign Minister, the Secretary-General of NATO, and the Presidents of the European Commission and Council of Europe.
Zelensky received support from European leaders after a controversial meeting at the White House on Friday, where rare earth trade was abandoned and Trump told Zelensky to come back when peace is ready.
After the Ukrainian president arrived in England on Saturday, Priority accepted him.
“You have full support throughout the UK, as you’ve heard from the cheers on the streets outside,” Starmer said. “We will stand with you and with Ukraine.
Priority also pledged to increase military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. Other European countries may follow suit.
On Saturday, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiara said European countries must increase military spending to at least 3% of GDP as the continent faces historic test of defending itself.
“If we don’t increase our efforts quickly enough and let the invaders decide on the conditions, we won’t be able to do well,” he said.
In pursuing unity among European neighbours, Macron accepted more defence spending after the US said it was legal to shift its military focus to China and Asia.
“We should have woken up early,” Macron said. “For years I have said that we need more sovereignty, more united and more independent Europe.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
