Today, March 2, 2025, a summit of European leaders was held in London, dedicated to supporting Ukraine and strengthening European security. The event brought together representatives of more than ten countries, including France, Germany, Poland, Italy, as well as the leadership of the European Union and NATO, writes IZ.com.ua. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy also attended the summit.
The meeting in London was an important event to strengthen Western unity in support of Ukraine, especially against the backdrop of ongoing Russian aggression. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the importance of consolidating the efforts of allies to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, AP News reports.
The main agreements of the summit: who promised to do what
The summit reached a number of important agreements on supporting Ukraine and strengthening European security. Below are the key promises and commitments of the parties:
- Great Britain:
- Providing Ukraine with £1.6 billion in export financing to purchase more than 5,000 anti-aircraft missile systems, to be manufactured in Belfast. This decision is designed to significantly strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and its ability to defend against air attacks, The Times notes.
- Together with France and other European countries, develop a plan to end hostilities in Ukraine. The plan will be presented to the United States for further discussion and possible implementation.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer also stated his readiness to send British troops to Ukraine to ensure the implementation of possible peace agreements.
- France:
- Participation in the development of a plan to end hostilities in Ukraine together with the United Kingdom and other European partners.
- European Union:
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the preparation of a plan to “rearm Europe,” which includes increasing defense spending and developing modern air defense systems.
- The EU will not recognize agreements like the Minsk agreements, emphasizing that any negotiations must take into account Ukraine's interests and its sovereignty, The Guardian notes.
- NATO:
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that there is no peace agreement for Ukraine yet, and it is necessary to decide on guarantees from Europe. He also stressed the need to prepare for a long-term peace settlement that would include reliable security guarantees for Ukraine.
In addition to military support, Ukraine has been promised significant financial resources for infrastructure reconstruction and economic stabilization. The United Kingdom has signed an agreement to provide £2.26 billion (over $2.8 billion) to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. The funds will be used to produce weapons in Ukraine, which will increase its ability to resist aggression.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is preparing a new financial assistance package for Ukraine, which will include grants and loans totaling up to €10 billion. The funds are planned to be used for the reconstruction of destroyed cities, energy infrastructure and economic development.