UK, France, and Ukraine Collaborate on Ceasefire Proposal for Russia-Ukraine War

The United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine have agreed to develop a ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced ahead of a high-level European summit.

The proposal, once finalized, will be presented to the United States, highlighting a coordinated effort by European leaders to restore peace and security in the region.

Strategic Diplomatic Engagement

Starmer emphasized that this initiative is focused on peace negotiations rather than escalating tensions. “The UK, along with France and possibly other European allies, will work closely with Ukraine on a ceasefire plan before discussing it with the United States,” he told the BBC.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over strained relations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, following a tense exchange at the White House.

European Military Involvement

A significant topic of discussion at the London summit is the potential formation of a European military force to help maintain a ceasefire in Ukraine. Starmer described the initiative as a “coalition of the willing”, aimed at ensuring long-term stability.

He outlined three key elements for a successful peace deal:

1. Strengthening Ukraine’s military to negotiate from a position of power.
2. A European security guarantee to deter future conflicts.
3. A U.S. commitment to prevent Russia from breaking the agreement.

“The worst possible outcome would be a temporary pause followed by renewed aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin. That is a real risk we must avoid,” Starmer cautioned.

Europe’s Unified Support for Ukraine

The London summit has drawn leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Canada, and other European nations, as well as NATO and EU officials. The goal is to reinforce Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, especially as concerns grow over Trump’s neutral stance on the conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron has echoed similar sentiments, urging Europe to enhance its defense spending and take a stronger leadership role in security matters. Meanwhile, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala called for increased military funding, warning that failing to act swiftly could have dire consequences.

Future of Peace Negotiations

While efforts to broker peace continue, tensions remain high following Zelenskyy’s challenging interactions with U.S. officials. European leaders are now strategizing ways to maintain Ukraine’s defensive capabilities while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

With $207 billion in frozen Russian assets potentially available to support Ukraine, European nations are exploring financial measures to sustain the war effort if diplomacy fails.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a viable ceasefire plan can be reached, ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty while preventing further escalation of the conflict.