European Summit on Ukraine Convened by UK Prime Minister Starmer

In a significant diplomatic effort, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has invited over a dozen European leaders to a summit in London this Sunday, aimed at reinforcing support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. The summit is intended to showcase Europe's united stance on achieving a peaceful resolution that ensures the sovereignty and security of Ukraine.

Attendees expected at this high-level meeting include representatives from Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Turkey, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa.

Starmer's initiative follows a recent visit to the White House, where he met with US President Donald Trump. Concerns have emerged regarding Trump's approach towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly as many in Europe and Ukraine fear that discussions could take place without their involvement, potentially leading to unfavorable territorial concessions for Ukraine.

During his meeting with Trump, the US president refrained from providing a definitive stance on whether the United States would support the deployment of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. This offer has been put forth by both the UK and France as a potential solution to stabilize the situation.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains tense. Reports indicate a substantial Russian drone attack, with the Ukrainian military stating that 208 drones were launched overnight, of which 107 were intercepted by air defenses. The fate of the remaining drones remains uncertain, as many have reportedly vanished from radar, suggesting electronic countermeasures.

In a separate development, Ukrainian military actions in the occupied region of Kherson have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, according to Russian state media. The attacks are said to have claimed the lives of three individuals, including a woman and a child, due to a drone strike on an ambulance.

Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makejew has expressed hopes for a swift coalition formation in Germany following recent elections, emphasizing the need for a government capable of addressing foreign and security policy issues effectively. He acknowledged the critical support that Germany has provided in terms of military aid, which has been vital for Ukraine's defense efforts.

As diplomatic discussions continue, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu is scheduled to visit China, where he will meet with President Xi Jinping to discuss bilateral security and international issues. This visit comes as relations between Moscow and Beijing have strengthened amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has reiterated the importance of NATO as a security guarantee for Ukraine, countering Trump's narrative that undermines European involvement in peace negotiations. Kallas emphasized that NATO remains the most effective defense against Russian aggression.

In light of these developments, the upcoming summit hosted by Starmer is poised to be a crucial moment for European leaders to present a cohesive strategy for supporting Ukraine and reinforcing their commitment to regional security.