British Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed the UK will give Ukraine access to £1.6 billion ($2 billion) of British export finance to allow the nation to buy more than 5,000 air defense missiles.
"This will be crucial for safeguarding crucial infrastructure and making Ukraine stronger," Starmer declared at a press conference on Sunday, after a defense summit in London was attended by Western leaders, according to Xinhua news agency.
Starmer emphasized that the objective is to position Ukraine as strongly as possible in order to negotiate from a position of power.
The summit brought together more than a dozen European heads of state, along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as part of efforts to advance a comprehensive peace plan for Ukraine.
Four-Step Plan for Peace
During the summit, Starmer revealed a four-part strategy agreed between global leaders for maintaining long-term stability in Ukraine:
Continuing to provide military support to Ukraine as the conflict continues and heightening economic pressure on Russia.
Securing the sovereignty and security of Ukraine in any future peace treaty, while making sure Ukraine plays an active role in talks.
Preventing future Russian aggression in case of a peace accord.
Creating a "coalition of the willing" to defend Ukraine and maintain long-term peace.
Summit leaders also agreed to meet again soon to maintain momentum on these initiatives, Starmer said.
Britain's Role and US Support
Reiterating the UK's firm support for Ukraine, Starmer vowed Britain would back the plan with "boots on the ground and planes in the air."
"Europe needs to do the heavy lifting," he emphasized, further noting that US engagement is still key to the success of this endeavor.
"Let me be clear, we are in agreement with Trump on the necessity for an urgent durable peace. Now we must deliver together," Starmer declared.
Ceasefire Plan and Diplomatic Tensions
Earlier on Sunday, prior to the summit, Starmer announced Britain, France, and Ukraine are developing a ceasefire plan to submit to the US. He described three components crucial in realizing "lasting peace":
A robust Ukraine with beefed-up defense capabilities.
A European security structure that provides stability.
A US-backed guarantee, which is the subject of "intense" negotiations.
The summit took place amidst diplomatic crises, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump exchanged hot words early in the week at the White House. The controversy that emerged from the battle of words led to the cancelation of an impending raw materials agreement between the two countries.
Strengthening UK-Ukraine Ties
On Saturday, Zelensky met with Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where the British premier reiterated the UK's "unwavering determination" to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine.
After their meeting, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said Britain and Ukraine had agreed on a £2.26 billion loan to support Ukraine's defense efforts.
(1 pound = $1.26)
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