London (TDI): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a Leaders Summit on Ukraine, to find a solution to protect Ukraine and Europe from Russia’s aggression. He also announced a £1.6 billion deal to supply thousands of advanced air defence missiles to Ukraine.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom convened a leaders Summit on Ukraine, where he discussed the path to stop Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine. He also guaranteed Ukraine, a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security.
During the Summit, the leaders discussed the growing relations between the United States and Russia as well. They debated on how partners can work with the US to advance a lasting peace for a sovereign Ukraine.
Leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Italy and Romania joined the Summit.
Also Read: EU Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine’s Defense
Moreover, the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, and the Presidents of the EU Commission, EU Council, and Canada also participated the Summit.
We must meet this moment together.
To guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine.
To protect European security.
And to secure our collective future. pic.twitter.com/Od3SfBUs4b
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 2, 2025
Before the Summit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer also spoke to President Alar Karis of Estonia, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa of Latvia, and President Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania to welcome their leading contributions in support of Ukraine against Russia.
Speaking with President @AlarKaris, Prime Minister @EvikaSilina and President @GitanasNauseda, we agreed that we must come together to find a path towards a lasting peace in Ukraine that ensures their sovereignty and is backed up by strong security guarantees.
This is vital for… pic.twitter.com/oSN77HNBhY
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 2, 2025
Talking to the leaders, the British Prime Minister said, “Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point. Today I will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training, and aid to Ukraine, putting it in the strongest possible position.”
The British Prime Minister further said, “In partnership with our allies, we must intensify our preparations for the European element of security guarantees, alongside continued discussions with the United States.”
Leaders at the Summit on Ukraine reaffirmed their determination to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe in pursuit of “peace through strength.” They decided to increase their military support for Ukraine, arming it with defence weapons, and training its armed forces.
I’ve just returned to Sweden after today’s important summit in London on Ukraine and European security together with colleagues. In uncertain times, we stand united in our support to Ukraine and have agreed to reinforce our joint defence of Europe.
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) March 2, 2025
The leaders also decided to increase pressure on Russia by strictly enforcing existing sanctions and putting further sanctions including on Russia’s energy revenues.
Furthermore, the British Prime Minister announced a £1.6 billion defence deal for Ukraine, which aims at arming Ukraine with 5,000 lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) for its defence.
The deal will boost the UK’s economy by supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast while creating 200 new job opportunities. The deal came after the British Prime Minister announced his commitment to increasing spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027.
The Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom, John Healey said, “This new deal delivers on the UK’s ironclad commitment to step up military support for Ukraine, whilst boosting jobs and growth at home.”
The deal will enable Ukraine to draw on £3.5 billion of export finance to acquire military equipment from UK companies, with the help of British MoD’s Taskforce HIRST.
On Friday, President Zelenskyy had visited Washington, to discuss the end of Ukraine war with Russia, and to sign rare-earth minerals deal with President Donald Trump.
Also Read: Zelenskyy’s White House Visit Ends in Shouting Match with Trump
However, the meeting ended in a disaster when President Zelenskyy blamed the US President for having tilt towards Russia. President Trump also accused the Ukrainian President of being “disrespectful” and dragging the Ukraine war.
After the fallout, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had a conversation with both President Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump on finding possible solutions to end the Ukraine war, in partnership with the US.
It is important to note that the Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom had announced a £150 million military support package to support Ukrainian troops fighting Russia on the frontline, last month. It included tanks, artillery, and missiles, among other weapons.
Last Year, the United Kingdom signed £162 million contract with Ukraine, under which the UK supplied 650 lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, as an initial order.
