Here’s the most recent update. – The New York Times

Stating that “we are at a pivotal moment in history,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Sunday that European nations would increase their military budgets and form a “coalition of the willing” to safeguard any peace established in Ukraine.

At a news conference following a meeting with 18 European leaders, including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr. Starmer mentioned that several other countries expressed interest in joining Britain and France to send troops to Ukraine if a cease-fire occurs between Kyiv and Moscow. However, he did not specify which countries.

Mr. Starmer revealed plans to permit Ukraine to access 1.6 billion pounds in British export financing, which is approximately $2 billion, to purchase over 5,000 advanced air defense missiles. Additionally, he mentioned speaking with President Trump on Saturday night and felt optimistic that there could be “a positive outcome” involving the United States.

Other European leaders who attended the London summit confirmed that the European Union plans to increase its military expenditure significantly.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, announced that the European Union would unveil a plan to enhance military budgets on Thursday. She emphasized that Europe would also support Ukraine with both economic and military aid, aiming to transform the nation into “a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders.”

NATO’s Secretary-General, Mark Rutte from the Netherlands, mentioned that several unnamed European nations had committed to raising their military spending, describing this as a “very positive” development. He also reassured reporters that Mr. Trump was dedicated to NATO, urging them to “please stop gossiping” about the potential for the United States to withdraw from the alliance.

Furthermore, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and Britain would seek a one-month truce between Russia and Ukraine “in the air, on the seas, and in energy infrastructures” to facilitate peace negotiations. He also indicated in an interview with Le Figaro that European countries should aim to allocate around 3 to 3.5 percent of their GDP towards defense—a target that NATO plans to set at its upcoming summit this summer.

The London summit gained more urgency following Mr. Zelensky’s tense meeting with Mr. Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday, which raised concerns that the United States might pressure Ukraine’s president into a peace agreement.

During the summit, Mr. Starmer, standing next to Mr. Zelensky, addressed the gathered leaders: “We’re here today because this is a once-in-a-generation moment for the security of Europe, and it is imperative that we all take action. Achieving a favourable outcome for Ukraine is not merely a moral obligation; it is essential for the security of every nation present, along with many others.”

Mr. Starmer noted that the European leaders at the summit consented to continue providing military aid to Ukraine and maintain economic pressure on Russia to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty and safety, as well as to assemble a “coalition of the willing” to oversee any cease-fire. “Those who are willing will begin planning with genuine urgency,” he stated.

The heated encounter in Washington on Friday was the latest indication of Mr. Trump’s shift in American foreign policy away from traditional allies such as Ukraine and Europe, showcasing the seriousness of his intentions to quickly resolve the war in Ukraine, which could lead to a solution that strengthens Russia’s position.

European leaders have rallied in support of Ukraine and praised its struggling president since the incident.

In contrast, Secretary of State Rubio criticized Mr. Zelensky’s conduct during the Oval Office meeting, claiming on ABC’s “This Week” that he “found every opportunity to try to ‘Ukraine-splain’ on every issue.” He expressed confusion over the backlash against the Trump administration, suggesting that the president was being unfairly faulted for endeavoring to assist Ukraine by seeking to halt the conflict. “The sooner people come to terms with this, the more progress we can achieve,” he added.

Here’s what else to know:

• British loan: On Saturday, Britain announced a nearly $3 billion loan to Ukraine aimed at strengthening the war-torn nation’s military capacity. It will be repaid using profits derived from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets, with the initial distribution of funds anticipated to occur next week, according to Britain’s Treasury.

• Cyberoperations against Russia: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to suspend offensive cyberoperations against Russia, a decision that lacks public explanation but may be part of a larger strategy to engage Russia in negotiations regarding Ukraine. This order was given prior to President Trump’s confrontation with President Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday. Read more ›

• Judge’s order: A federal judge in Washington on Saturday prevented the Trump administration from removing the top official at a federal watchdog agency, ruling that their attempts to do so were unlawful. This ruling allows Hampton Dellinger to remain as head of the Office of Special Counsel, which safeguards federal whistle-blowers. Read more ›

• More troops on the border: The Pentagon is deploying approximately 3,000 additional troops to the southwestern border, rapidly responding to Mr. Trump’s directive to enhance the military’s involvement in reducing crossings. The announced reinforcements will raise the total number of active-duty troops at the border to roughly 9,000, according to Defense Department officials. Read more ›

Mark Landler and Stephen Castle reported from London, Aurelien Breeden from Paris and Jeanna Smialek from Brussels. Minho Kim and Yan Zhuang contributed reporting.