"We urgently have to rearm Europe," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned on Sunday, March 2, as leaders from the continent met in London for crisis talks over Ukraine.
Von der Leyen said she would present a "comprehensive plan" at an EU summit Thursday, adding, "we have to have a surge in defense" and, "we have to step up massively." She spoke after leaving the summit hosted by London.
"We all have understood that after a long time of under investment it is now of utmost importance to step up the defense investment for a prolonged period of time. It’s for the security of the European Union," she said. Von der Leyen added that the plan could for instance help develop advanced air shields.
As for the future of war-torn Ukraine, von der Leyen said "security guarantees are of utmost importance. We have to put Ukraine in a position of strength, so that it has the means to fortify itself and to protect itself,” she said. "It’s basically turning Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the summit to shore up support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after an astonishing Oval Office blowout with President Donald Trump that left many uncertain where the once staunch allies stood. The London meeting took on greater importance in defending the war-torn ally and boosting the continent’s defenses.
Starmer, who welcomed the leaders of more than a dozen countries and other officials, embraced Zelensky on his arrival in London, saying he is determined to find an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Starmer announced Sunday that Britain, France and Ukraine have agreed to work on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States – a plan that emerged, he said, in talks among the countries' leaders following the White House spat.
The British prime minister is due to give a talk following the summit this evening.