More European nations pledged to join the UK and France in sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached. This significant commitment was made during a summit in London hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The summit focused on strengthening European defense and securing a long-term peace plan for Ukraine.
Keir Starmer highlighted the importance of U.S. support for the peacekeeping mission, stating that it is essential for the plan to receive backing from the United States. Although Starmer didn’t disclose the specific countries joining the peacekeeping effort, he confirmed that several nations agreed to contribute troops.
The summit also addressed the urgent need for increased defense spending in Europe. NATO Chief Mark Rutte confirmed that multiple European countries had pledged to ramp up defense budgets, although he did not share specific details. European leaders are increasingly recognizing the necessity of strengthening their defense capabilities in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and shifting U.S. priorities.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Europe needs to “rearm” and ensure Ukraine’s security for the future. She announced plans to present a comprehensive defense strategy aimed at transforming Ukraine into a “steel porcupine” to deter future invasions.
This summit and the commitments made by European countries signal a growing shift towards European-led security and defense efforts. As leaders prepare for further talks in Brussels later this week, the focus will remain on securing Ukraine’s peace and stability, with many European leaders now taking a more proactive role in the region’s defense.
The future of Ukraine’s security and Europe’s role in ensuring peace will continue to be a central topic in international discussions.