Ukraine Summit: UK Commits £1.6 Billion Missile Package for Ukraine as Peace Efforts Intensify

UK Announces £1.6 Billion Missile Deal for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

In the wake of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a substantial £1.6 billion deal to supply Ukraine with over 5,000 air defense missiles. This announcement came during a press conference following a summit in London attended by numerous European leaders, where Starmer emphasized the urgent need for action to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

Starmer firmly rejected claims that the U.S. has become an “unreliable ally” following a heated exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During their meeting, Trump reportedly accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three” and instructed him to return only when he was prepared for peace. Despite these tensions, Starmer maintained that U.S. support remains crucial for any peace negotiations.

“The U.S. has been a reliable ally to the UK for many decades, and continues to be,” Starmer stated, highlighting the intertwined defense and intelligence relationships between the two nations. He noted that while European countries must take the lead in addressing the conflict, the backing of the U.S. is essential for a successful peace settlement.

During the press conference, Starmer outlined the three key elements needed for a lasting peace: a strong Ukraine, security guarantees from Europe, and a backstop from the U.S. He underscored the necessity of equipping Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength, emphasizing that the new missile deal would not only bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also create jobs in the UK defense sector.

Starmer warned that a failure to properly support Ukraine could have dire consequences for Europe, stating, “If there is conflict in Europe, it will wash up on our shores.” He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that any peace deal respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, insisting that Kyiv must be involved in future negotiations.

The prime minister also expressed his determination to avoid the mistakes of past agreements, such as the Minsk accords, which he argued were easily breached by Russia. He stressed the importance of a robust framework to protect any future deal and pledged that the UK will continue to support military aid to Ukraine while increasing economic pressure on Russia.

As European leaders prepare to meet again to maintain momentum in their response to the conflict, Starmer declared, “We are at a crossroads in history. This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act, time to step up and lead, and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace.”