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Today, March 2, the Ukraine summit kicks off in London. Leaders of more than 10 countries will attend it, the EU and NATO leadership. As announced by the head of the British government, the main topic of the summit is strengthening Ukraine’s position, including ongoing military support and increased economic pressure on Russia. The leaders will also talk about an agreement that will ensure permanent peace in Ukraine. As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reported on the BBC, London, Paris and Kyiv will prepare a ceasefire plan and present it to Washington.
Weakness breeds new wars, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before the start of the meeting in the UK. And she once again emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
“The path to peace is strength. Weakness breeds more war. We will support Ukraine while simultaneously building up European defense,” wrote the President of the European Commission on social media.
And French President Emmanuel Macron said that Putin could go to Moldova, and possibly Romania, if he is not stopped in Ukraine. According to him, Europe’s security is at stake.
“We have an overly armed and aggressive Russia on our borders. It is carrying out terrorist attacks, massive disinformation campaigns at home and in Europe. If Putin is not stopped, he will definitely go to Moldova and possibly further to Romania. Our security is at stake,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a commentary for La Tribune.
The United Kingdom and France, together with Ukraine, will prepare a ceasefire plan and present it to the United States. As the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said in an interview with the BBC, such an agreement was reached the day before, after consultations with Presidents Zelensky and Macron.
“We have agreed that Britain, together with France and perhaps one or two other countries, will work with Ukraine on a plan to end the fighting. And then we will discuss that plan with the United States. I think we have taken a step in the right direction,” Keir Starmer said in an interview with the BBC.
Today, March 2, in London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The key topic is coordination meetings with partners in order to develop a joint action plan to end the war with a just, sustainable peace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Giorgia Meloni discussed the importance of unity around Ukraine and strengthening the position of the Ukrainian state in cooperation with allies – European countries and the United States.
Separately, they discussed providing reliable security guarantees to Ukraine and all of Europe.
“Our people must be sure that Russia will never return with war,” the president emphasized.
In addition, the leaders discussed formats for new contacts for consultations between European countries and the United States.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted three main priorities at the London summit:
- Support for Ukraine — European countries must act more actively now.
- Long-term peace — the agreement must not only be signed, but also guarantee stability.
- Strong NATO — for this, Europe will increase defense spending.
“Europe is really taking on great responsibility,” Rutte emphasized, speaking about peace initiatives.
“We must prepare for the moment of the ceasefire in Ukraine and protect the peace,” NATO Secretary General said following the summit in London
He also said that European leaders have declared their readiness to increase defense spending.
Read also: Britain, France, and Ukraine to Draft a “Ceasefire” Plan for U.S. Consideration
