Sir Keir Starmer will emphasize the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty during talks with Donald Trump next week, as revealed in a conversation with the country’s president.
The UK prime minister reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Kyiv during a call with Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday.
In the wake of US President Trump’s decision to re-establish relations with Russia and strive for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, the two leaders engaged in their second phone call in four days.
This Monday marks the third anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s invasion, which UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated would be commemorated with further sanctions against Russia.
Over the weekend, 2,000 individuals marched to the Russian embassy in west London to show their solidarity with Ukraine prior to the invasion’s anniversary.
According to a spokesperson from Downing Street, the prime minister emphasized that “Ukraine must play a central role in any negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict” and assured of “the UK’s dedication to achieving a fair and lasting peace to put an end to Russia’s unlawful warfare.”
Providing insight into the call, Downing Street reported that Sir Keir and Zelensky “concurred that this moment was pivotal for the future of Ukraine and broader European security.”
Sir Keir also stressed to Zelensky that “protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty is crucial to deterring future aggression from Russia.”
Moreover, the prime minister conveyed that “he will advance these crucial discussions in the upcoming days and weeks, including during his visit to Washington DC next week to meet with Trump.”
Expressing optimism, Zelensky described his discussion with Sir Keir as productive, highlighting their collaboration on “military cooperation, joint actions, and forthcoming active engagements in the following week.”
On X social media platform, Zelensky expressed gratitude, stating: “The UK and its citizens are among Ukraine’s strongest supporters, and we deeply value this support.”
In an article for the Sun, Sir Keir echoed Trump’s call for European nations to assume greater responsibility for their defense and boost defense spending.
“We have deliberated on this long enough. The time for action is now.
“President Trump is correct in seizing the opportunity to explore a viable peace agreement.
“His steadfast commitment to peace has been evident in every conversation I’ve had with him,” Sir Keir stated.
He further emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to have a voice in negotiations and receive robust security assurances, asserting that “America should play a part in guaranteeing this.”
In a separate call on Saturday, Sir Keir engaged in discussions with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, affirming the need for Europe to strengthen collective security, as per Downing Street.
The UK foreign secretary, referring to the forthcoming additional sanctions against Russia, asserted that these measures would undermine President Putin’s “military capabilities.”
“I intend to announce the most extensive set of sanctions against Russia since the initiation
In a recent statement, UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the indispensable role of Ukraine in any discussions pertaining to the ongoing conflict. Addressing the urgent need for a resolution, Healey cautioned against a fragile peace that could potentially pave the way for further hostilities.
Expressing pride in the UK’s steadfast stance on the Ukrainian crisis, Healey acknowledged the critical importance of unity and leadership in navigating the challenging geopolitical landscape. His remarks come in the wake of a hastily convened summit in Paris, attended by European leaders ahead of pivotal US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia.
The diplomatic tensions escalated when US President Donald Trump openly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, branding him a “dictator” and questioning the origins of the conflict in Ukraine. Zelensky swiftly rebuked Trump’s assertions, highlighting the prevalence of misinformation propagated by Russia.
The contentious issue drew public outcry, with demonstrators converging in London to denounce the perceived acquiescence towards Russia by the US administration. Among the protesters was 93-year-old Margaret Owen, who drew parallels to historical appeasement policies and underscored the imperative of resisting undue influence from individuals like Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Eminent figures such as Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons foreign affairs select committee, echoed the sentiment for a more measured and persuasive approach towards influencing US policy. Thornberry emphasized the necessity of including Ukraine in crucial deliberations and cautioned against yielding ground to Putin’s ambitions without due representation from the Ukrainian side.
The protest in London resonated with Ukrainian nationals, including Oleksandra Udovenko, a student hailing from Kyiv. Udovenko’s impassioned plea underscored the intrinsic right of Ukraine to forge its path independently, free from external coercion or dominance.
As the global community grapples with the ramifications of the conflict in Ukraine, the voices of solidarity and advocacy reverberate, calling for a principled and inclusive resolution that upholds the sovereignty and aspirations of the Ukrainian people.