Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated a “viable chance” exists for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, ahead of the highly anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet in Alaska, with the primary focus on finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside other European leaders who will not be attending the summit, participated in a joint call with President Trump on Wednesday to reiterate their collective position.
Following the call, Sir Keir emphasized the necessity of protecting Ukraine’s “territorial integrity,” asserting that “international borders cannot and must not be changed by force.”
Last week, President Trump suggested the possibility of “some swapping of territories, to the betterment of both,” a statement that has fueled concerns that Ukraine might be compelled to cede certain areas to achieve an end to the protracted conflict.
Ukraine has firmly stated its refusal to accept Russian control over seized territories, including Crimea, while Moscow seeks to maintain its existing control.
Furthermore, Russia is seeking assurances that Ukraine will not join the NATO military alliance and is advocating for limitations on the size of the Ukrainian army.
Addressing a virtual meeting of European leaders following the conversation with President Trump, Sir Keir stated that “any ceasefire would have to be lasting, and to be lasting, it would need security guarantees.”
“That is why we set up this coalition of the willing,” he added.
This coalition comprises a group of primarily European nations that have pledged to provide military support to Ukraine, potentially including ground forces, to deter Russia from violating any agreed-upon peace accord.
Sir Keir affirmed that the coalition possesses “credible” military plans that could be implemented in the event of a ceasefire.
He also conveyed that the leaders of the coalition are prepared to escalate economic pressure on Russia, if necessary, through measures such as increased sanctions.
In addition, he commended President Trump’s endeavors to reach an agreement, stating: “For three-and-a-bit years, this conflict has been ongoing, and we haven’t come close to the prospect of an actually viable solution, a viable way of bringing it to a ceasefire.”
“Now we do have that chance, because of the work the president has put in.”
Following his call with European leaders, President Trump indicated in a press conference the possibility of a meeting involving Presidents Putin and Zelensky.
He stated that his initial meeting with President Putin would be used to “find out where we are and what we’re doing,” adding, “We’ll have a quick second meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky and myself, if they’d like to have me there.”
He also cautioned President Putin that he would face “very severe consequences” if he did not consent to ending the war after Friday’s summit.
President Zelensky, who participated in the call while in Berlin for a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stated that the US was ready to continue its support of Ukraine and accused Russia of not wanting peace.
“Putin cannot fool us,” he said
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