LONDON – European leaders have pledged to draft a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States, aiming to secure the security guarantees Kyiv insists are necessary to deter Russia. The commitment came at a high-stakes summit in London, held just days after a tense Oval Office exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The summit, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saw European leaders reaffirming their support for Ukraine. France, Britain, and other nations committed to forming a "coalition of the willing" to develop a peace proposal, though specific details remain undisclosed.

European Support
Starmer, who warmly embraced a visibly shaken Zelenskiy upon his arrival in London, underscored the urgency of the situation. “This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act,” he declared. European leaders also acknowledged the need to boost defense spending to convince Trump that the continent can protect itself.

French President Emmanuel Macron had previously outlined a potential ceasefire plan in an interview with *Le Figaro*, proposing a one-month halt to air and sea attacks while allowing ground combat to continue. He also suggested that European troops could be deployed if a lasting peace agreement is reached, though it remains unclear if other nations have agreed to such terms.

Following the summit, Zelenskiy expressed confidence in Europe's backing. “There will be diplomacy for the sake of peace,” he said in his nightly address. “And for the sake of us all being together – Ukraine, all of Europe, and definitely, definitely America.”

Zelenskiy Seeks to Mend Relations with Trump
Despite Friday’s highly publicized confrontation with Trump, Zelenskiy indicated he is willing to repair ties, emphasizing the need for closed-door discussions moving forward. “The format of what happened, I don’t think it brought something positive or additional to us as partners,” he admitted.

During their Oval Office exchange, Trump had accused Zelenskiy of being ungrateful for U.S. aid and questioned the risks of prolonged conflict with Russia. The clash fueled concerns that Washington might reduce or withdraw its support for Kyiv, particularly as Trump has increasingly suggested that Ukraine should negotiate directly with Russia.

However, Zelenskiy remained optimistic that the U.S. would not abandon Ukraine. “The U.S. are leaders of the civilized world, and they will not help Putin,” he insisted.

Europe Prepares for a Bigger Role
With Trump’s stance on Ukraine shifting, European leaders are working to ensure Kyiv remains central in any peace negotiations. Several countries have committed to increasing defense spending, a move seen as crucial to securing continued U.S. involvement.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of strengthening the continent’s military capabilities. “We need to turn Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders,” she said.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that some European leaders have outlined new defense spending plans, though he declined to provide details.

Trump’s actions have disrupted diplomatic expectations, as he recently held talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia without involving Ukraine or Europe. Additionally, his administration has criticized Zelenskiy, with White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stating that the U.S. needs a Ukrainian leader who is prepared to secure a lasting peace with Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised Trump’s approach, accusing European countries of prolonging the conflict by backing Zelenskiy. Russian lawmaker Konstantin Kosachev also dismissed Europe's peace efforts, arguing that any real progress would depend on U.S.-Russia relations.

Zelenskiy reiterated that Ukraine would not cede any territory to Russia as part of a peace agreement. He also confirmed that Kyiv remains open to signing a minerals deal with the U.S., which Trump had framed as a way for Ukraine to repay American aid.

“Everyone needs to understand that Ukraine will never recognize whatever is occupied by Russia as Russian territories,” he asserted.

Despite Friday’s tensions, Zelenskiy remains resolute. When asked about potential calls for his resignation, he responded defiantly: “To change me, it will not be easy.”

With European leaders rallying behind Ukraine, attention now turns to Washington—where the fate of U.S. military and political support for Kyiv hangs in the balance.