UK and Dutch PMs back Ukraine before 8 Dec talks
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Sunday 7 December. In a short readout, Downing Street said they discussed Russia’s intensified strikes on Kyiv in recent days and agreed that support for Ukraine’s defence needs to be sustained.
This call sets up a busy Monday. On 8 December, Starmer is due to host France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street for talks on the ongoing peace negotiations and practical next steps. European media have also trailed the London meeting as Zelenskyy turns to allies after recent US discussions.
A quick who’s who helps. Dick Schoof currently leads the Netherlands in a caretaker (demissionary) capacity after tendering his government’s resignation in June; he remains in post while a new arrangement is formed. Germany’s Friedrich Merz became chancellor on 6 May 2025 after winning a second-round parliamentary vote. Knowing these details helps you read the group dynamics in London.
You’ll see the phrase “Coalition of the Willing” in coverage. In simple terms, it’s a group of countries working up security guarantees for Ukraine and exploring a reassurance presence to make any ceasefire hold. London and Paris sessions this year have pushed planning forward, with leaders stressing air defence, energy protection and long‑term support. It’s not NATO, and membership varies by country commitment.
If you’re teaching or studying media literacy, treat official call readouts as signals rather than full transcripts. Phrases such as “we will always stand with Ukraine” show intent, but the real test is concrete follow‑through: named equipment, money, training, or new sanctions. We’ll learn more once Monday’s talks conclude and any deliverables are announced.
Context matters for timing. Ukrainian and international outlets have reported renewed Russian attacks on Kyiv and other regions in recent days, including strikes on energy infrastructure. That backdrop explains why leaders keep emphasising air defence and winter resilience in the same breath as diplomacy.
What to watch on Monday: listen for specifics on security guarantees, any reference to a reassurance force, and clearer timelines on air defence and energy support. Also watch who pays and who trains-details that decide whether promises turn into protection for civilians and infrastructure. If you’re in a classroom, try mapping pledges to the agencies that would deliver them back home.
One last line from the UK note: the two prime ministers agreed to keep in touch. That’s standard diplomatic language, but it matters this week because the London table will include Europe’s key players with Zelenskyy present. We’ll update once the Downing Street meeting wraps and any concrete steps are published.