At a summit meeting in London, European leaders, Canada and Turkey pledged to continue military support for Ukraine, two days after a disastrous meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
At the “For the Security of Our Future” summit in London, European leaders, along with Canada and Turkey, reaffirmed their commitment to military support for Ukraine. The announcement comes just two days after a controversial and reportedly unproductive meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Diplomatic sources say Zelensky’s visit to Washington ended without clear assurances of continued US military aid, raising concerns about a potential shift in American policy. President Trump, who has previously expressed skepticism about long-term support for Ukraine, reportedly urged Kyiv to pursue peace negotiations with Moscow—an approach met with frustration by Ukrainian officials.
In response, European nations, Canada, and Turkey have now pledged to step up their military assistance. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “We will not allow Ukraine to stand alone. Europe, alongside our allies, remains steadfast in its support.”
The French President and German Chancellor echoed this stance, confirming that additional military aid packages—including air defense systems, ammunition, and armored vehicles—would be sent to Ukraine in the coming months. The Turkish President also reaffirmed Ankara’s role in facilitating military supplies and logistical support.
This renewed commitment highlights growing European determination to back Ukraine, even as uncertainties over future US involvement persist. Analysts suggest the shift could mark a turning point in transatlantic relations, with Europe taking greater responsibility for regional security.
The summit is set to continue with further discussions on bolstering Europe’s defense infrastructure and addressing long-term security challenges.
The European Commission President, European Council President, and NATO Secretary-General were also at the table.
Speaking at a press conference after the summit, UK PM Keir Starmer announced that Ukraine’s western allies will keep military aid flowing to accomplish the aim of a lasting peace that must ensure the liberty and sovereignty of Ukraine.
He also reiterated the readiness of the United Kingdom “to put boots on the ground and planes in the air” to defend Ukraine if necessary, evoking a “coalition of the willing” of other countries to do the same.
EU Commission president von der Leyen said Europe has to put Ukraine in a position of strength, which included economic, energy and military resilience.
She stressed the “importance” of providing security guarantees to Ukraine to turn the war-torn country into a “steel porcupine” that would be “indigestible for potential invaders” like Russia.
Then, she spoke about the need to “urgently” rearm the European Union and unleash a “surge” in defense spending that can meet the new geopolitical situation.
“We really have to step up” and “prepare for the worst,” she said. Von der Leyen said she would present a “comprehensive” defense plan to EU leaders when they all meet on 6 March for an emergency summit in Brussels.
Header image: EPA
