UK Defence Minister to Meet U.S. Counterpart for Ukraine Peace Talks

British Defence Minister John Healey will meet U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington on Thursday to discuss a Ukraine peace plan, Britain’s Ministry of Defence announced. The meeting follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine after tensions with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

European leaders are working on a peace proposal to present to Washington. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Trump last week to discuss securing lasting peace. Upon returning, he hosted Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron, who suggested a one-month ceasefire covering air and sea attacks but not ground combat. However, British Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said the UK had not formally recognized Macron’s proposal.

To mend ties with Trump, Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for U.S. support and his willingness to collaborate under Trump’s leadership to end the war. Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to peace in a call with Zelenskiy on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for all parties to work toward a secure resolution.

Healey stated that the UK would advance diplomatic efforts in Washington in the coming days. The high-stakes discussions aim to shape a unified approach to resolving the conflict.