As President Trump’s influence reshapes American foreign policy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is making a desperate bid to rally support for Ukraine without the United States. The UK leader’s “Coalition of the Willing” virtual meeting notably excludes America, signaling a stark divide in Western strategy on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
At a glance:
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting a virtual “Coalition of the Willing” meeting with about 25 countries to discuss Ukraine support
• The United States is conspicuously absent from the meeting, reflecting President Trump’s shift in foreign policy approach
• Participants will discuss military and financial support for Ukraine and potential peacekeeping missions
• The meeting aims to secure a 30-day ceasefire from Russia, following a proposal initially made by the United States
• Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown conditional support for a truce but requires further details
Europe Scrambles to Fill American Void
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s virtual summit is bringing together approximately 25 nations including European partners, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ukraine, NATO, and the EU. The notable absence of American representation underscores President Trump’s significant shift in foreign policy priorities regarding the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
This wouldn’t be the first time Europe turned its nose up at Trump, but look who ends up getting proven right…
The meeting will focus on coordinating military and financial support for Ukraine while exploring potential peacekeeping missions. Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have emerged as the leading voices attempting to maintain Western support for Ukraine as the United States steps back.
📡UK’s Starmer Rallies Allies for Ukraine in Virtual Summit 📨
British PM Keir Starmer will host a virtual meeting of world leaders on Saturday to reinforce support for Ukraine.
This follows his "coalition of the willing" initiative, launched earlier this month in London. The… pic.twitter.com/4TIDGExu26
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 10, 2025
Ceasefire Proposal Faces Uncertain Future
The coalition meeting follows a United States proposal for a 30-day ceasefire that received support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated conditional support but demands more specific details before committing to any agreement.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism about the ceasefire prospects. However, Starmer remains deeply skeptical of Putin’s intentions, criticizing what he describes as delay tactics and a fundamental lack of commitment to peace.
Ukraine has publicly backed the truce proposal, but military analysts note that Russia’s current battlefield advantage may discourage Putin from agreeing to pause hostilities. The timing of this diplomatic initiative comes as Russia has been making steady territorial gains in eastern Ukraine.
European Leadership Tested Without American Backing
Starmer and Macron are spearheading efforts to convince European nations to increase their defense spending as American support wanes. The British Prime Minister has publicly urged Russia to cease attacks on Ukraine and agree to the proposed ceasefire terms.
Macron has maintained direct communication with both Zelenskyy and Starmer regarding recent U.S.-Ukraine diplomatic developments. The French President’s involvement highlights the emerging European leadership vacuum as the Trump administration pursues a more America-first approach to foreign entanglements.
The “Coalition of the Willing” represents Europe’s first major test in handling regional security concerns without traditional American leadership. Defense experts question whether European nations possess the military capabilities and political will to effectively support Ukraine if American backing substantially diminishes.
