UK PM says ‘coalition of the willing’ is working on robust security plans amid ceasefire talks

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Saturday that European nations and Western allies are accelerating their preparations to support Ukraine if a peace deal with Russia is reached. Defence chiefs are set to convene next week to finalize “robust plans” ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security.

Starmer hosted a virtual summit aimed at rallying international support for increased pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a ceasefire deal spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting also sought to secure commitments from allies to uphold any resulting agreement—something Trump has emphasized as Europe’s responsibility.

Around two dozen leaders participated, including those from Germany, France, Italy, Canada, and Australia, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO’s Secretary General. However, the U.S. was notably absent from the discussion.

Strengthening Ukraine’s defence

Starmer reaffirmed the coalition’s dual commitment: continuing support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s three-year-long invasion and ensuring the enforcement of any ceasefire negotiated through U.S.-led diplomatic efforts.

“We agreed to maintain pressure on Russia, sustain military aid to Ukraine, and tighten economic restrictions on Moscow,” Starmer told reporters. “This will weaken Putin’s war machine and push him to the negotiating table.”

While Russia has expressed conditional interest in a ceasefire, its demands—centered on retaining occupied Ukrainian territories and limiting Ukraine’s military capabilities—suggest an agreement remains distant.

Military talks to secure Ukraine’s future

In response to Trump’s reluctance to commit U.S. resources to European security, Western nations are ramping up their own efforts.

“Our militaries will meet this Thursday in the UK to establish strong and enforceable plans to support a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine’s future security,” Starmer stated. “President Trump has presented Putin with a path to lasting peace—now, we must turn that into reality.”

Following the meeting, Zelenskiy called on Western allies to define a concrete security framework, including the possibility of stationing foreign troops in Ukraine.

“This is essential for Ukraine’s security and for Europe’s stability,” he wrote on social media platform X.

The role of Western troops

The UK and France have both indicated a willingness to deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine if a ceasefire is achieved. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed openness to contributing to future peacekeeping efforts.

However, Russia has categorically rejected the presence of Western forces on Ukrainian soil.

Despite European preparations, Starmer acknowledged that a credible security guarantee would still require Washington’s involvement.

“This must be done in coordination with the United States. We are in daily discussions with them,” he confirmed.

Uncertain path to peace

Western nations have been scrambling to redefine their role in Ukraine’s defence after Trump shifted Washington’s approach, opening direct talks with Moscow in an effort to end the war. Trump has claimed there is a “very good chance” of a resolution following his envoy Steve Witkoff’s recent meeting with Putin in Moscow.

However, Putin has laid out non-negotiable conditions, including Ukraine abandoning its NATO aspirations, ceding full control of occupied territories, and downsizing its military—demands that Kyiv has firmly rejected.

Starmer dismissed Putin’s stance as insufficient but remained confident that diplomatic pressure would eventually bring Russia to the table.

“Russia does not appear serious about peace,” French President Emmanuel Macron said after the meeting. “Putin’s strategy is to take everything first—then negotiate. If we want peace, Russia must respond clearly. Pressure must be unified, in coordination with the U.S., to achieve a ceasefire.”

While diplomatic efforts continue, the path to a lasting peace in Ukraine remains uncertain. Photo by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.