Over a dozen European leaders will convene in London on Sunday to deliberate on enhancing joint security efforts and reinforcing unified backing for Ukraine.

This gathering comes in the wake of a sharp disagreement between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump during a high-profile meeting at the White House on Friday.

The main focus for European officials will be on extending military aid and intensifying economic sanctions against Russia, aiming to fortify Ukraine’s stance. Additional agenda items include working towards a durable peace framework, strategies to help Ukraine repel further Russian threats, and establishing dependable security commitments.

Leaders from countries such as France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Turkiye, as well as senior figures from NATO and the European Union will be in attendance.

The London summit precedes a key event scheduled for Thursday in Brussels, where the European Commission is expected to unveil a new defence initiative targeting improved European and Ukrainian security.

This initiative is set to enhance Ukraine’s defence mechanisms and solidify stability in the region, underlining the urgency of a robust and lasting resolution to safeguard Ukraine’s independence. Many European partners are increasingly uneasy about Trump’s negotiation tactics toward Russia, fearing they could weaken Ukraine’s leverage.

Zelenskyy touched down in London on Saturday and was warmly received by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The leaders embraced and revealed a significant $2.84 billion defence support loan for Ukraine, financed through frozen Russian funds.

Strains with U.S. Leadership

Zelenskyy’s London arrival came on the heels of a tense White House encounter, during which both Trump and Vice President JD Vance chastised him for declining a proposed ceasefire and accused him of lacking appreciation. Trump further warned that Zelenskyy’s position could provoke a larger global conflict.

Nevertheless, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s desire to maintain open lines with Washington.

“Even through difficult conversations, our partnership with the U.S. remains strong,” he posted on X. “Honesty and transparency are crucial to understanding where we stand together.”

Europe's Growing Alarm

The recent diplomatic overtures by Trump toward Russian President Vladimir Putin have amplified concerns in Kyiv and across European capitals. Trump has cast himself as a peace broker between the Kremlin and Kyiv, circumventing traditional diplomatic bodies and leaning toward more direct engagement with Moscow.

He recently touted “substantial movement” toward a Ukrainian peace plan, though specifics remain vague.

Yet, after Zelenskyy departed the White House, Trump claimed on social media that the Ukrainian leader was not “interested in peace if the U.S. is part of the process.”

Europe reacted swiftly in defense of Ukraine following the dispute in Washington.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, widely tipped to become the country’s next chancellor, publicly voiced support on X: “Ukraine has our solidarity—during both victories and hardships. We must uphold justice, recognizing the true aggressor in this war.”

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed criticism of Trump, accusing him of “distorting the roles of aggressor and victim,” and warning these developments signaled “a new era of global shame.”

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized to the press that Russia remains the aggressor, and Ukrainians are the ones under attack.

Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took to X to reassure: “Ukrainian friends, you do not stand alone.”