UK, France to Aid Ukraine Ceasefire
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK and France will assist Ukraine in developing a ceasefire plan, which will then be discussed with the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to attend a European leaders' summit two days after a heated exchange with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Sir Keir, aiming to act as a 'bridge' between the two leaders, called Trump and Zelensky the same night to refocus on central issues. He emphasized the need for collective efforts towards lasting peace, trusting Trump and Zelensky but not Russian President Vladimir Putin. He urged European nations to increase defense spending and form a 'coalition of the willing' for security guarantees. Previously, Sir Keir's decision to cut foreign aid to boost defense funding led to the resignation of his International Development Minister.