Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with several European leaders at a summit in London on Sunday, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The meeting came just days after Zelenskyy’s heated confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office regarding America’s role in the Ukraine-Russia war. Following the tense exchange, Trump abruptly canceled a planned joint press conference, and Zelenskyy was escorted out of the White House.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. You’re in no position to dictate that,” said Trump. “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”
The fallout from the meeting has sent shockwaves through Western allies, raising serious concerns about the future of the conflict as it enters its fourth year. While European leaders remain hopeful that a peace deal can be reached, Trump’s stance has introduced uncertainty about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. On Sunday, Starmer announced that the UK, France and possibly other nations would develop a plan to end the war, signaling Europe’s growing role in diplomatic efforts.
“When a deal arises and is struck, that we stand ready, and Europe will play a big role here to make sure that a deal and a peace can be made,” said Mark Rutte, the secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Despite political tensions, the UK signed an agreement with Zelenskyy to accelerate $2.8 billion in loans. However, many Republican leaders have sided with Trump, accusing Zelenskyy of being ungrateful and unwilling to cooperate.
