Ukraine peace summit LIVE: Volodymyr Zelensky remains defiant after Donald Trump showdown as he holds emergency crunch talks with world leaders including Sir Keir Starmer
By ED HOLT and KATHERINE LAWTON
Published: | Updated:
Western leaders have arrived in London this afternoon to work on a ceasefire deal with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The European leaders kicked off the crucial summit to forge a Ukraine strategy after the extraordinary White House argument between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
Sir Keir shook hands with Emmanuel Macron on the steps of Lancaster House in London before they try to shore up Nato and the continent's defences from Russian aggression.
The summit - also being attended by Mr Zelensky - was already planned before the on-camera slanging with Mr Trump and his vice president JD Vance earlier this week.
Follow MailOnline's liveblog for the latest updates on today's summit.
Turkey repeats offer to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine
The Turkish Foreign Minister has repeated his previous offer to host fresh peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Hakan Fidan was among world leaders who gathered in London for today's summit.
Turkey hosted initial negotiations after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, helping secure a deal for the safe passage of grain exports in the Black Sea.
BBC News has reported that Fidan spoke with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss the latest developments in the war before the summit.
Sir Keir expected to hold a press conference at 5pm
It is understood that Sir Keir will hold a press conference from Lancaster House at 5pm today.
Leaders pose for a family photo at today's summit
Pictured: Pro-Ukrainian protesters march towards Buckingham Palace
Keir Starmer has played down the prospect of Donald Trump's state visit invite being withdrawn in the wake of his spat with Volodymyr Zelensky.
The PM stressed that the invitation was a 'matter for the King' but swiped at people 'trying to ramp up the rhetoric' over the White House chaos.
No10 sources were adamant that there is no chance of the visit being axed, despite a furious backlash at the 'humiliation' of the Ukraine president in the Oval Office.
Sir Keir handed Mr Trump a letter from King Charles offering him the unprecedented honour when he made his own trip to Washington last week.
The US president is known to be an admirer of the Royal Family, and the state visit was seen as a major tool in Sir Keir's diplomatic armoury.
Who's who of world leaders at today's summit
Front row from left: Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Centre row from left: Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Romania’s interim President Ilie Bolojan.
Back row from left: Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte,the Netherlands’ Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Czech Republic’s Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Turkey’s foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Sir Keir kicks off 'once in a generation' summit for European peace
Zelensky and Italy's Meloni issue a joint statement calling for a 'just and lasting' peace
The joint statement from Volodymr Zelensky and Giorgia Meloni came ahead of the summit this afternoon.
Italy's Giorgia Meloni meets with Sir Keir Starmer earlier today
Italy's Giorgia Meloni was greeted warmly by Keir Starmer outside the famous black door of Downing Street.
As they sat down for bilateral talks inside, the PM insisted that they approached issues from the 'same mindset'. Ms Meloni said she believed they could both help build 'bridges' with the US.
Starmer welcomes world leaders outside Lancaster House
More remark from Sir Keir at the start of the summit
Sir Keir Starmer also told leaders gathered at Lancaster House: 'In my conversations in recent days, we agreed a group of us will work with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, and then discuss that with the US and take it forward together.'
Ukraine's allies need to also continue their support in the moment, Sir Keir said, adding: "Even while Russia talks about peace, they are continuing their relentless aggression."
He concluded: 'That is the agenda and we need to agree what steps come out of this meeting to deliver peace through strength for the benefit of all.
'So, let's get started.'
What will be discussed at today's summit?
World leaders have now gathered at Lancaster House for the security summit.
It is understood that discussions will take place over the next couple of hours. Whilst the exact details of the talks are not known, the BBC has reported that possible topics could include Europe's possible role in bringing an end to the war, as well as the continent's relations with the US.
The Prime Minister is expected to hold a press conference at the conclusion of talks.
European leaders kicked off a crucial summit to forge a Ukraine strategy today after the extraordinary White House bust-up between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
After embracing Mr Zelensky on the steps of Lancaster House in London, the PM told the gathering they must step up to a 'once in a generation moment'.
Emmanuel Macron and Giorgia Meloni also received a warm welcome, as Britain, France and Italy look set to take key roles in a 'coalition of the willing' to enforce any peace deal with Russia.
The leaders are expected to signal a ramping up of defence spending with Sir Keir urging them to recognise the 'brutal reality' of the US pulling back from military guarantees.
The summit was already planned before the on-camera slanging match with Mr Trump and his vice president JD Vance.
Starmer welcomes President Zelensky to today's summit with a hug
Pictured: World leaders gather for a group photo at the start of the London security summit
Sir Keir says Europe faces a 'once in a generation moment' as he opens defence summit
European leaders need to step up at a 'once in a generation moment', Sir Keir
Starmer said at the start of the defence summit on Ukraine in London.
Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer greets world leaders outside
Sir Keir shakes hands with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
French Emmanual Macron with Sir Keir outside Lancaster House
Sir Keir with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The world leaders held a meeting in Downing Street earlier today
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking outside of today's summit
Full list of nations attending today's security summit
Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with world leaders today for the summit at Lancaster House in London.
This includes the leaders of Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Romania.
The Turkish Foreign Minister, NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Commission and European Council will also attend.
Pro-Ukrainian demonstrators hold rally outside No.10
Hundreds of demonstators have started their planned rally outside Downing Street by singing the Ukrainian national anthem.
It comes after world leaders arrived at Lancaster House for talks on the country's security.
People carried large Ukrainian flags and placards that said 'war is not over in Ukraine! Ukrainian rally. World wake up!' and 'Russian captivity kills'.
A metres-long banner was draped over a wall that read: "When the last Ukrainian soldier falls, Putin will come for you ladies (and) gents!"
A woman on a megaphone repeatedly shouted 'thank you Britain' and the crowd chanted the same back.
They went on to call out 'Russia is a terrorist state" and "world, do not betray Ukraine'.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky and Sir Keir Starmer warmly embraced and had a short conversation outside the venue before heading inside for today's secuity summit in London.
Watch: Keir Starmer welcomes Emmanuel Macron to London for defence summit
