U.K., Other Nations Will Work on Ukraine Deal: Starmer, Pg 1 & 10

• UK’s Role in Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal: - UK PM Keir Starmer announced that the UK, France, and other nations would work on a peace plan for the Ukraine-Russia conflict and present it to U.S. President Donald Trump. - This comes after a heated Oval Office exchange between Ukraine’s President Zelensky and Trump over U.S. support. - European Efforts & Diplomacy: - Starmer emphasized Europe must take the lead in peace negotiations. - French President Macron and Zelensky agreed on a new framework for peace talks. - Key attendees at the summit: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Turkish FM Hakan Fidan, and NATO Chief Mark Rutte. - Four-Step Peace Process: - Continued aid to Ukraine and economic pressure on Russia. - Ukraine’s inclusion in negotiations. - Strengthening Ukraine’s defenses. - Formation of a coalition of willing nations to guarantee peace post-ceasefire. - U.S. Stance & Trump Factor: - Starmer suggested that Trump must support the plan for success. - Trump’s past skepticism about Ukraine and U.S. alliances raises concerns about the reliability of U.S. support. - Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, a Trump ally, advised against splitting the West over the issue. - European nations are taking the lead due to uncertainty in U.S. policy under Trump. - A lasting peace deal requires assurances for Ukraine’s sovereignty, ceasefire conditions, and continued global support. - U.S. stance will be pivotal—global diplomacy must align U.S. interests with European efforts.

Mains Mock Question:

Examine the role of European powers in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict. How does the U.S. policy shift impact global peace efforts?