UK PM Keir Starmer Urges Russia to Commit to Ukraine Ceasefire
London, UK – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the “ball is in Russia’s court” regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that President Vladimir Putin would “sooner or later” have to engage in peace negotiations. His remarks followed a virtual summit on Saturday aimed at building international support for protecting any future ceasefire in the war-torn country.
Key Takeaways from the Summit:
- Global Support for Ukraine: Starmer addressed 26 world leaders in a group call hosted by Downing Street, urging them to strengthen Ukraine, protect any ceasefire, and maintain pressure on Moscow.
- Ukraine’s Commitment to Peace: The UK leader highlighted that Ukraine had already demonstrated its willingness to end hostilities by agreeing to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
- Putin’s Resistance: Starmer accused the Russian president of stalling the peace process, stating, “If Putin is serious about peace, he has to stop his barbaric attacks on Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire, and the world is watching.”
- Next Steps: Military chiefs are set to meet again in the UK on Thursday as the coalition moves into the operational phase of supporting a ceasefire.
Zelensky and International Responses:
- Ukraine’s Perspective: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was seeking a stronger battlefield position before agreeing to a ceasefire, more than three years into the invasion. “They want to improve their situation on the battlefield,” Zelensky stated during a press conference in Kyiv.
- Russia’s Stance: While a ceasefire proposal was put forward by the U.S., Putin did not commit to an immediate halt in hostilities, instead presenting a list of demands.
- EU’s Position: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reinforced the call for peace, stating that Russia must show “it is willing to support a ceasefire leading to a just and lasting peace.”
The UK-led summit reflected growing international resolve to support Ukraine and secure a ceasefire. However, with Russia maintaining its military momentum and refusing immediate commitments, the path to peace remains uncertain. Further diplomatic and military discussions are expected as global leaders push for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
