The leaders of Britain and France are spearheading a desperate diplomatic drive to shore up Europe’s security, bolster Ukraine’s defenses and ensure the Trump administration doesn’t seek a ceasefire on terms that reward Moscow for invading its neighbor.

European leaders, including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, met in London to devise a plan to support Ukraine, ensure peace talks with Russia, and explore options for European security independence from the United States.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged European leaders on Sunday (March 2) to step up their defense efforts to not only help secure peace in Ukraine but stability across the continent at a summit staged as a show of support for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.