Keir Starmer to host special defence summit on Ukraine with European, Canadian and Turkish leaders – live
Keir Starmer to host special defence summit on Ukrainian defence and security
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Ukraine war, with leaders from around Europe gathering at a special defence summit in London on Sunday to discuss the crisis.
The meeting has taken on new importance after talks broke down between Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US president Donald Trump in a tense showdown at the White House on Friday.
The unprecedented events in Washington have put the pressure on Europe to find new ways to defend its war-torn ally and shore up the continent’s defences.
Led by the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, the summit brings together leaders from around continental Europe, including France, Germany, Denmark and Italy as well as Turkey, Nato and the EU.
“Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security and secure our collective future,” Starmer said ahead of the summit.
Downing Street said the summit would again stress the need for a “strong, lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace” and discuss “next steps on planning for strong security guarantees”. We will bring you the latest developments throughout the day so stick with us.
Key events
More than a dozen world leaders are set to gather in London today to discuss joint plans on defence and security as US military support for Ukraine hangs in the balance after talks over a minerals deal collapsed last week.
European leaders are seeking security guarantees – such as air cover – from Washington as part of any so-called peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Keir Starmer, having announced the biggest increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war last week, will be trying to persuade other European countries to increase their defence capabilities and spending so the continent is better prepared to face the threat from Russia without the usual safety net of US support.
Starmer will shortly be on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, which starts at 9am, along with Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the opposition.
The British prime minister met Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday evening, in what was described by Downing Street as a “warm and meaningful” exchange.
On Saturday night, a No 10 spokesperson said:
The prime minister reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine, adding that the UK will always stand with them, for as long as it takes.
The prime minister restated his determination to finding a path that ends Russia’s illegal war and ensures a just and lasting peace that secures Ukraine’s future sovereignty and security.
The leaders looked forward to continuing these discussions at tomorrow’s leaders’ summit in London.
Keir Starmer to host special defence summit on Ukrainian defence and security
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Ukraine war, with leaders from around Europe gathering at a special defence summit in London on Sunday to discuss the crisis.
The meeting has taken on new importance after talks broke down between Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US president Donald Trump in a tense showdown at the White House on Friday.
The unprecedented events in Washington have put the pressure on Europe to find new ways to defend its war-torn ally and shore up the continent’s defences.
Led by the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, the summit brings together leaders from around continental Europe, including France, Germany, Denmark and Italy as well as Turkey, Nato and the EU.
“Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security and secure our collective future,” Starmer said ahead of the summit.
Downing Street said the summit would again stress the need for a “strong, lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace” and discuss “next steps on planning for strong security guarantees”. We will bring you the latest developments throughout the day so stick with us.
