UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Ukraine by co-chairing a major diplomatic meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” a group of allied nations coordinating support for Kyiv. The meeting followed high-stakes discussions in Washington between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which were described as constructive and focused on strengthening Ukraine’s security architecture. Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, stressed that borders cannot be redrawn by force and underlined the need for credible guarantees to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The talks in Washington have injected fresh momentum into peace efforts, with Starmer calling them “good and constructive.” Leaders agreed that cooperation with the United States on long-term security assurances is essential and signaled that groundwork is being laid for direct negotiations between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Such a dialogue could even evolve into trilateral talks involving Trump, though European leaders have made clear that support for Ukraine’s defense must continue in parallel to any diplomatic overtures.
Amid these developments, Switzerland has stepped forward with an offer to host a potential peace summit between Zelenskyy and Putin. Geneva, long seen as a hub for international diplomacy, is being considered as the likely venue. Swiss officials have indicated that legal immunity could be granted specifically for the purpose of peace talks, allowing Putin to attend despite the outstanding International Criminal Court warrant against him. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stressed that Switzerland is prepared to use its neutrality and diplomatic traditions to facilitate meaningful negotiations.
The combination of Starmer’s leadership in rallying European partners and Switzerland’s mediation offer reflects a renewed international push to end the war in Ukraine through both deterrence and diplomacy. While leaders remain cautious about symbolic gestures, there is consensus that Ukraine must receive strong, enforceable security guarantees before any settlement can be viable. For now, the focus is on sustaining military and economic support while building the framework for direct talks that could eventually bring an end to hostilities.
As these diplomatic efforts unfold, the world is watching closely. The united front shown by the UK, France, and other European nations, in coordination with Washington, demonstrates that Ukraine’s future remains firmly on the international agenda. The prospect of a summit in Geneva may provide a long-awaited platform for direct dialogue, raising cautious hopes that a sustainable peace might finally be within reach.