Prime Minister Keir Starmer has joined forces with key European allies to lay out a robust six-point framework of support for Ukraine, aimed at underpinning any future peace agreement with Russia.
A Berlin Summit for Security
The commitments were forged during talks in Berlin on Monday evening, where Mr Starmer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from across Europe. The gathering focused on ensuring a durable and just peace, rather than a fragile ceasefire that could collapse.
Earlier on Monday, addressing the Commons Liaison Committee, the Prime Minister issued a stark warning about the dangers of a poorly constructed deal. "History is littered with peace agreements in Europe which people had faith in but in the end fell apart and led to even worse conflicts," he stated, emphasising the need for unwavering support for Kyiv.
The Six Key Commitments
The joint statement, signed by the leaders of ten nations and the European Union, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, details the specific pledges. These are designed to provide Ukraine with long-term security and economic stability.
The first commitment promises sustained and significant support to build Ukraine's armed forces, which the allies agree should be maintained at a peacetime level of 800,000 personnel. This force is intended to deter future aggression and defend Ukrainian territory.
The second point involves creating a European-led 'multinational force Ukraine' within a 'Coalition of the Willing', backed by the United States. This force would assist in regenerating Ukraine's military, securing its skies, and ensuring safer seas, with operations potentially inside Ukraine.
Thirdly, a US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with international participation would be established to provide early warning of any new attacks.
The fourth pillar is a legally binding commitment, subject to national procedures, to take measures—including potential armed force—to restore peace if Ukraine faces a future armed attack.
Economically, the fifth point pledges major investment for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, including moves to use immobilised Russian sovereign assets in the EU for compensation.
Finally, the leaders pledged to "strongly support Ukraine's accession to the European Union." The statement notably did not reference NATO membership.
Backing Zelensky's Leadership
The allied leaders expressed their firm support for President Zelensky, agreeing to back whatever decisions he ultimately makes on specific Ukrainian issues. They firmly reaffirmed that international borders must not be changed by force and that any decisions on territory are solely for the Ukrainian people, once robust security guarantees are effectively implemented.
The statement concluded that some issues would need resolution in the final stages of negotiations and underlined that the allies would support President Zelensky in consulting the Ukrainian public if needed.
This coordinated plan emerges amid mounting international pressure, including from figures like Donald Trump, to bring the war to an end. Mr Starmer's message was clear: the UK and its allies must remain alert to the enduring danger from Russia and ensure any peace is built on solid, enforceable foundations.
