Historic Security Summit in London Without US; Canada, Norway, Turkey Also Join
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
LONDON/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – The main European Union countries and NATO military allies Canada, Norway, and Turkey will attend a historic security summit in London on Sunday without the United States amid mounting transatlantic tensions.
The agenda will not only focus on Ukraine’s security but also Europe’s, as U.S. President Donald J. Trump no longer considers the “old continent” a top priority, sources said.
The London summit chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer followed a week of European efforts to regain a foothold in the White House.
Yet after visits from French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Starmer, the diplomatic charm offensive ended with an unprecedented history-setting dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Trump. Zelenskyy was shown the door after the quarrel in the Oval Office in the White House.
On Sunday, European leaders and Canada will attempt to regroup as they also try to win an expected trade war with the United States. “Now is the time for us to unite to ensure the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our shared future,” said the British prime minister.
On Saturday, Starmer welcomed Zelenskyy, saying, “Action, not just words. Britain stands with Ukraine today and always.
On Sunday morning, he was to host Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at 10 Downing Street, his official residence in London, followed by heads of states from Ukraine, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Romania and the Netherlands.
US MISSING
Observers said leaders from outside the usual European circle are also attending, including those from Canada and Turkey. “This means nearly the entire NATO alliance will be represented—without the U.S. president, despite the country being NATO’s largest military power,” commented Dutch daily De Telegraaf (The Telegraph).
In addition to heads of government, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and top EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa will also attend the highly secured meeting at a prestigious London venue.
Starmer has already clarified that “no negotiations on a ceasefire can take place without Ukraine’s direct involvement.”
According to Downing Street, the talks in London will focus on strengthening Ukraine’s position, continuing military aid, and increasing economic pressure on Russia.
The British government emphasizes the need for a “strong, lasting agreement that ensures permanent peace in Ukraine and allows Ukraine to deter and defend against future Russian attacks.” Steps must be taken toward “strong security guarantees,” with severe consequences if Russia violates any future agreement.
Britain, alongside France and the U.S., possesses a significant nuclear arsenal and has already announced an increase in defense spending to 2.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, the wealthy Netherlands is currently at 2 percent, while other EU countries, such as Belgium and Spain, are far from meeting Trump’s demanded threshold, according to data.
PEACEKEEPERS
In contrast, Poland has made significant defense investments in its GDP, roughly double that of most EU nations.
Britain and France have reportedly indicated their willingness to support Ukraine’s future security with ground troops.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated that the Netherlands “is open” to participating in a military force. However, Geert Wilders, leader of the main party in the Dutch government, the anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV), opposes the idea.
Turkey has also been exploring ways to contribute to the peacekeeping force in Ukraine since a peace deal was signed between Kyiv and Moscow.
Three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Starmer warned that the world is at a “turning point.” He said that while it was important to continue talking with the United States, it had become clear that it was up to Europe to help ensure a “just and lasting peace” for Ukraine, “safeguarding its sovereignty and security.”
On Thursday, European leaders will meet again at an EU summit in Brussels to discuss additional defense efforts and aid for Ukraine. However, the summit is at risk of failure, as EU members Hungary and Slovakia already indicated they will block further commitments to Kyiv.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán says he wants to see direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia and not more war.
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