European leaders are urgently working to mend the strained relationship between Ukraine and the United States, following a bitter exchange between President Zelensky and President Trump that has unsettled trans-Atlantic security. In a high-stakes meeting in London led by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Britain and France, along with 16 other allies, pledged to build a “coalition of the willing” aimed at crafting a peace plan to end Ukraine’s war with Russia while ensuring strong U.S. backing. Starmer emphasized, “We are at a crossroads in history,” highlighting Europe's determination to shoulder more responsibility for defense while leveraging economic and military aid—such as the 2.26 billion pounds in loans and 1.6 billion pounds in export financing for advanced air defense missiles—to support Ukraine and uphold decades-long alliances.

Key Points:

• Urgent Diplomatic Initiative: European leaders met in London to build a strategy for ending Ukraine’s war with Russia and to repair ties with a skeptical U.S. following President Zelensky’s clash with President Trump.
• Coalition of the Willing: Britain, France, and 16 other nations are spearheading efforts to develop an independent peace proposal to entice U.S. support and offer Ukraine robust security guarantees.
• Direct Quotes & Key Messages: Prime Minister Starmer stated, “We are at a crossroads in history,” and reiterated that this initiative “must have strong U.S. backing” to succeed.
• Economic and Military Support: Britain has committed significant financial resources, including a loan of 2.26 billion pounds and plans to facilitate 1.6 billion pounds in export financing for over 5,000 advanced air defense missiles.
• Trans-Atlantic Alliance Concerns: Despite appreciating America’s longstanding alliance, European leaders are keen to ensure that U.S. involvement remains reliable amid growing uncertainties and a changing global security landscape.
• Broader Political Implications: The initiative not only aims to bolster Ukraine’s defenses but also to strengthen Europe’s defense cooperation and political alignment, even as domestic challenges and Brexit sentiments add complexity to Britain’s role.
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