UK Urges US-EU Coalition to Develop Gaza-Style Peace Plan for Ukraine
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for European leaders to collaborate with the United States in drafting a peace plan for Ukraine modeled on Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal. This call emerged after a tense gathering between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, with the two leaders failing to secure a definitive ceasefire agreement. Trump voiced his frustration over the stalled peace efforts, while Zelensky signaled a desire for a temporary halt to hostilities along the current front lines. Russia, however, has reiterated its demand for substantial concessions including Ukraine’s withdrawal from occupied territories, cessation of Western military aid, and the abandonment of NATO integration.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky, held at the White House, concluded abruptly with Trump stating that the discussions were “done” and urging both sides to “stop the killing and make a DEAL!” This came after Trump had already spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day, indicating a broader diplomatic push to mediate the conflict. However, the US president expressed frustration over the lack of progress, noting that he had believed the Ukraine-Russia war to be the “easiest” conflict to resolve, despite its protracted nature.
Zelensky’s desire for an unconditional ceasefire along the current front lines appears to be a strategic move to pressure both Moscow and Washington into a temporary truce. However, Russia has consistently maintained that a lasting settlement requires Ukraine to withdraw from the regions it still controls, halt Western military aid, and renounce its aspirations to join NATO. These demands suggest that any peace deal would necessitate significant concessions from Kyiv, potentially complicating efforts to find a balanced resolution.
As Starmer’s push for a US-EU peace initiative gains momentum, the international community remains divided on the feasibility of such a plan. While some view it as a necessary step toward de-escalation, others caution that without addressing Russia’s core demands, any agreement may not be durable. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts likely to shape the future of the conflict in the coming weeks.