UK –– British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has praised Ukraine as a country committed to peace. He has also urged allied leaders to keep up the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to demand a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Addressing a virtual meeting from Ten Downing Street on Saturday, Starmer said Putin must come to the negotiating table sooner or later. “He must come to the table and engage in serious discussions, but we cannot just sit back and wait,” he said. “That means strengthening Ukraine with military and financial support, so that they can defend themselves.”
The meeting, called a coalition of the willing, is different from the physical meeting of the first summit on March 2. Leaders from about 25 countries, as well as representatives from France, Italy, Ukraine, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, as well as NATO and the European Union (EU), are expected to attend. The United States is not represented.
The meeting is expected to discuss how to provide more support to Ukraine and to build support for a future peacekeeping mission if Putin supports a ceasefire. The meeting is taking place against the backdrop of a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has backed.
“President Zelenskyy has proven again today that Ukraine is for peace. He is committed to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. But Putin is trying to delay, which is the focus of our discussions,” Starmer said.
Putin has signaled support for a ceasefire in principle but has sought more clarity before an agreement is reached. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Friday, saying there had been positive Russian signals. “I am seeing very good signals from Russia for a ceasefire and an agreement,” Trump said. He made the remarks after Putin met with his representative Steve Witkoff.
The US has shifted its Ukraine policy since Trump’s return, as was evident after a tense meeting with Zelensky on February 28. This has prompted European countries to increase their defense spending and provide more support for Ukraine.
Starmer has led the coalition with French President Emmanuel Macron, in part to persuade Trump to maintain his support for Ukraine. Photographs have emerged of Macron and his aides listening to Starmer’s opening remarks at the Elysee Palace.
Ukraine is under pressure on the front lines three years after Russia’s invasion. Analysts say Putin may not rush to a ceasefire as he sees his advantage as Russian forces continue to advance on the battlefield. “If Putin is serious about peace, he should stop the invasion of Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire,” Starmer said. “The world is watching.”