UK and France to Propose Ukraine Peace Plan to the US Amid Tensions

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the UK and France are collaborating with Ukraine to develop a plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. 

The proposal will be presented to the United States for further discussions. This development comes after a tense exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House.

Sir Keir emphasized his role as a mediator, aiming to bridge the gap between the two leaders. 

He revealed that he promptly contacted both Trump and Zelensky, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, to refocus efforts on achieving lasting peace after three years of conflict. 

He dismissed calls to cancel a second state visit to the UK by President Trump, arguing that maintaining dialogue is essential for peace in Europe.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey supported this approach, suggesting that the state visit should be used to secure stronger commitments from the US to support Ukraine. 

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also backed the Prime Minister’s stance but stressed the importance of preventing US disengagement from the conflict.

Sir Keir acknowledged that a European security guarantee for Ukraine would require a "coalition of the willing," urging European nations to enhance their defence spending and coordination. 

He highlighted the UK’s decision to cut foreign aid to boost defence funding, aiming to increase it to 2.5% of national income by 2027, with further calls for reaching 3%.

The Prime Minister's efforts also included discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who supported the goal of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stressed the importance of preventing divisions within the West.