LONDON – European leaders are set to convene in London on the 2nd of next month to discuss security measures for Ukraine, following a 'Mineral Agreement' between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting, hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will gather leaders from over ten nations, including France, Germany, and others, to address the ongoing conflict and its implications for European security.
The summit comes on the heels of President Zelenskyy's scheduled signing of the mineral agreement with President Trump in the United States on the 28th. This agreement has raised concerns among European allies, who fear it may undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
The UK Prime Minister's Office emphasized that the meeting will "drive European action on Ukraine" and demonstrate "collective and unwavering support for a just and lasting peace." However, diplomatic circles anticipate challenges in devising effective security strategies, particularly given the perceived US-favoring terms of the mineral agreement.
Tensions between the US and European allies were evident during the recent US-UK summit, where President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer clashed over Ukraine's path to peace. President Trump reiterated his opposition to Ukraine's NATO membership and urged European nations to significantly increase their defense spending.
French President Emmanuel Macron, during a state visit to Portugal, voiced concerns about European dependence on the US, stating, "The answer is not submission to the US."
The London summit will also include participation from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Council President António Costa, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Baltic state leaders will join the meeting virtually.
This gathering underscores the urgency among European leaders to forge a unified stance on Ukraine's future, amidst differing perspectives on how to address the ongoing conflict and ensure lasting peace in the region.
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