Keir Starmer urges Europe to help Ukraine as King Charles meets Volodymyr Zelensky

EU leaders have agreed on a plan to support Ukraine at an emergency security summit in London, including a proposed truce, as Volodymyr Zelensky was greeted by King Charles.

European leaders have rallied behind Ukraine after President Volodmyr Zelensky’s disastrous White House meeting, vowing to “stop the fighting” with Russia and then discuss the plan with America.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK would “double down” on its support for Ukraine with an increase in military aid, urging world leaders to join together to put an end to the three-year conflict.

“Our starting point must be to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position now so that they can negotiate from a position of strength,” Sir Keir told an emergency summit at Lancaster House in London.

“We are at a crossroads in history today.”

France's President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. Picture: Getty Images

King Charles greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Zelensky was welcomed by world leaders at the summit in London before meeting with King Charles at the royal family’s Sandringham estate.

It came as American Vice President JD Vance was forced to move his family to an “undisclosed location” when hundreds of pro-Ukraine protesters swarmed the Vermont ski resort where they were vacationing days after his antagonistic showdown with the Ukrainian president.

Vance and his family were greeted by hundreds of outraged protesters lining the snow-covered streets, forcing them to cut their four-day trip short.

Protesters displayed signs that labelled Vance a “national disgrace,” accused him of being a “traitor” and encouraged the family to “go ski in Russia.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a warmer welcome from King Charles than he did from Donald Trump. Picture: Getty Images

Following the emergency summit in London, Sir Keir rejected claims that America was an unreliable ally in the wake of the combative meeting between US President Donald Trump and Mr Zelensky.

The meeting was held to finalise a mineral rights deal but it was scrapped and Mr Zelensky ushered out of the White House after Mr Trump accused him of “gambling with World War III” and Mr Vance labelled him “disrespectful”.

“I would not be taking this step down this road if I didn’t think that it was something that would yield a positive outcome,” Sir Keir said.

“The US has been a reliable ally to the UK for many, many decades and continues to be.”

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends a plenary meeting at a summit held at Lancaster House in London. Picture: Getty Images

Leaders prepare to hold a plenary meeting at a summit held at Lancaster House in central London on March 2, 2025. Picture: AFP

Sir Keir said the “coalition of the willing” can contribute to help achieve peace and that the “UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground, of planes in the air”.

Among those to attend the two-hour meeting included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, NATO chief Mark Rutte and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen.

“What we also see is European countries really ramping up to help with security guarantees for the moment,” Mr Rutte said after leaving the meeting but reiterating “there is no deal yet”.

“We have to make sure that Putin will never, ever again try to attack Ukraine.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Lancaster House during the European leaders' summit. Picture: WPA Pool/Getty Images

Ms von der Leyen told the media it was important to “step up the defence investment for a prolonged period of time”.

When asked what message she would like to give America, she said: “We are ready together with you to defend democracy, to defend the principle that there is a rule of law that you cannot invade your neighbour and bully your neighbour, you cannot change borders without force”.

Hours after the meeting, Mr Trump posted on social media platform Truth Social: “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 – so that we don’t end up like Europe!”

Many people turned out to support Ukraine near Lancaster House in London while the European summit with world leaders was being held. Picture: Sophie Elsworth

Meanwhile, Mr Zelensky reiterated his willingness to sign the US minerals deal on Monday, telling reporters: “The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready.”

He later posted a video online in which he told his people “Dear Ukrainians, we are returning home.”

“As a result of these days, we see clear support from Europe,” Mr Zelensky wrote.

“Even more unity, even more willingness to co-operate. Everyone is united on the main issue – for peace to be real, we need real security guarantees.

“Of course, we understand the importance of America, and we are grateful for all the support we’ve received from the United States. There has not been a day when we haven’t felt gratitude.

“It’s gratitude for the preservation of our independence – our resilience in Ukraine is based on what our partners are doing for us – and for their own security. What we need is peace, not endless war. And that’s why we say security guarantees are the key to this.”

Originally published as Keir Starmer urges Europe to help Ukraine as King Charles meets Volodymyr Zelensky