Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street for crucial discussions as diplomatic efforts intensify towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine. The meeting comes ahead of a pivotal summit in Alaska featuring US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the fate of the ongoing war will be addressed. Starmer conveyed confidence in the prospect of a ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Ukraine's territorial integrity and upholding international borders against forceful alterations.
Zelensky, along with other European leaders not attending the Alaska summit, recently held a conversation with Trump, reiterating their stance on the conflict. This high-profile meeting at Number 10 has been meticulously planned to demonstrate Britain's solidarity with Ukraine, occurring just a day before the significant talks in Alaska. Meanwhile, US Vice-President JD Vance has underscored Trump's commitment to re-establishing peace in Europe.
Past comments from Trump raised concerns regarding potential territorial compromises, which might pressure Ukraine to relinquish land to achieve peace. The Ukrainian government remains resolute against conceding any territories, including Crimea, seized by Russia, which continues to demand assurances against Ukraine joining NATO and restrictions on its military capabilities.
In addressing a virtual meeting of European leaders, Starmer highlighted the necessity of establishing lasting security guarantees to ensure any ceasefire's durability. He noted the formation of a coalition comprising primarily European nations, committed to providing military support—potentially including ground troops—to dissuade Russia from violating a peace agreement. The coalition has already developed actionable military strategies to be deployed if a ceasefire is reached and is prepared to intensify economic sanctions on Russia if required.
Starmer acknowledged Trump's role in facilitating these discussions, stating that the protracted conflict had not previously yielded any viable resolutions until recent efforts had emerged. Sir Alex Younger, former head of MI6, echoed the sentiment that Trump's involvement could pivotally influence the situation, although he cautioned that Putin might exploit this opportunity.
As Vance enjoys a private holiday in the UK, he recently spoke to American troops stationed there, reaffirming the robust ties between the US and the UK. He confirmed that the longstanding alliance has contributed to numerous successes in the past century, emphasizing the balance of diplomacy with readiness for military action if necessary.
Following their conference, Trump signaled a potential meeting involving Putin and Zelensky, indicating his desire to increase dialogue. He also warned of severe consequences should Putin decline to negotiate an end to the conflict. Zelensky, present in Berlin for discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reiterated Ukraine's demand for continued support while criticizing Russia's reluctance toward peace negotiations.
