Starmer’s “coalition of the willing” mobilizes to support Ukraine as U.S. backing wavers
By isabelle // 2025-03-03
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  • UK and France lead a new European coalition to provide military and economic support to Ukraine amid dwindling U.S. backing.
  • The coalition includes a £1.6 billion deal for 5,000 air defense missiles, boosting UK jobs and economic growth.
  • French President Macron proposes a one-month truce to de-escalate the conflict, but ground fighting would continue.
  • U.S. support remains uncertain, with Trump criticizing Ukraine aid and prioritizing domestic issues over international commitments.
  • Europe increases defense spending, but troop deployment and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine remain unresolved.
In a pivotal moment for Europe’s role in the Ukraine conflict, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Sunday that the UK and France are spearheading a “coalition of the willing” to provide military and economic support to Kyiv. The move comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces dwindling U.S. backing following a disastrous meeting with President Donald Trump, leaving Europe to shoulder greater responsibility in a war that directly impacts its security. The announcement followed an emergency defense summit in London, where European leaders gathered to address the shifting transatlantic consensus on Ukraine. Starmer emphasized the need for a united European response, declaring that the continent is “at a crossroads in history” and must act decisively to secure a lasting peace.

A coalition takes shape

The coalition, led by the UK and France, aims to provide Ukraine with the resources needed to deter further Russian aggression. Starmer confirmed a £1.6 billion deal to supply Ukraine with over 5,000 air defense missiles, manufactured by Thales in Belfast, which will also create jobs and boost economic growth. “It’s time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace,” Starmer told reporters. “If you want to preserve the peace, you have to be prepared to defend the peace.” French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a one-month truce “in the air, on the seas, and on energy infrastructure” to de-escalate the conflict, though he acknowledged that ground fighting would continue. The truce, he said, would buy time for negotiations and allow Ukraine to strengthen its defenses. However, the coalition’s plans hinge on U.S. support, which remains uncertain. Starmer stressed that any ceasefire must be backed by American air, logistics, and intelligence capabilities. “To succeed, this effort must have strong U.S. backing,” he said.

Zelensky’s U.S. woes

The urgency of the summit was underscored by Zelensky’s recent clash with Trump, during which the Ukrainian president was publicly berated by the U.S. leader and Vice President JD Vance. Trump, who has long resisted military commitments to Ukraine, criticized the focus on Russian President Vladimir Putin, instead urging the U.S. to prioritize domestic issues like immigration and crime. “We should spend less time worrying about Putin, and more time worrying about migrant rape gangs, drug lords, murderers, and people from mental institutions entering our Country,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Zelensky later expressed regret over the public nature of the meeting, telling LBC’s Andrew Marr, “I do not believe it is right when such conversations are absolutely open because the emotions or information etc, the foes can take advantage of them.”

Europe steps up as U.S. steps back

With U.S. support in question, European leaders are stepping up their commitments. The UK has pledged to increase military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with ambitions to reach 3% soon after. Other nations, including Germany and Poland, are also raising defense budgets. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the coalition’s goal as turning Ukraine into a “steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders.” She added that Europe must “urgently rearm” to prepare for the worst. Despite the show of unity, the coalition faces challenges. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted that there is no concrete plan for troop deployment, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk lamented the lack of a systematic approach to future security guarantees for Ukraine. While Starmer’s coalition signals a stronger European commitment to Ukraine, the prospect of sending troops remains contentious. Macron clarified that Western troops would only be deployed after a peace deal is signed, but Moscow has warned that unauthorized peacekeepers would be considered legitimate targets. As Europe takes the lead in supporting Ukraine, the “coalition of the willing” marks a turning point in the conflict. Yet, with U.S. backing uncertain and Russia’s resolve unshaken, the path to peace remains full of challenges. For Europe, the question is not just how to end the war, but how to secure a future where such conflicts are prevented. Sources for this article include: RT.com YourNews.com TheGuardian.com
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