UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Urges Russia to Engage in Ceasefire Talks

LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized on Saturday that the “ball was in Russia’s court” regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging President Vladimir Putin to “come to the table” for peace talks. This statement came after a virtual summit aimed at garnering international support for a coalition that would protect any potential ceasefire agreement.

In a video conference with 26 world leaders, Starmer stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine, safeguarding any ceasefire, and maintaining pressure on Moscow. He highlighted that Ukraine had demonstrated its willingness for peace by agreeing to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, while accusing Putin of attempting to delay progress on peace efforts.

“If Putin is serious about peace, he has to stop his barbaric attacks on Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire. The world is watching,” Starmer said.

As the conflict persists, military leaders are scheduled to meet again in the UK on Thursday for what Starmer described as the “operational phase” of the coalition’s efforts.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed support for a ceasefire, urging Russia to demonstrate its commitment to achieving “a just and lasting peace.” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for continued pressure on Russia.

The conflict in Ukraine has escalated, with Russia claiming control over two villages in the Kursk border region. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied any encirclement of Ukrainian forces in the region, asserting that they continue to repel Russian and North Korean troops.

Meanwhile, Russia has downed 130 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia’s forces over 14 regions of Ukraine, with Kyiv continuing to defend its territory. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Putin’s response has been criticized as a delay tactic by world leaders, including German officials and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have been leading efforts to form a “coalition of the willing,” aiming to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and deter Putin from violating any ceasefire agreement. While both leaders have expressed willingness to deploy British and French troops, it remains unclear whether other countries will follow suit.

Macron has also called for Russia to stop making statements that delay the peace process and cease its violent actions in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated that Italy would not contribute military forces on the ground.

Read more: Trump Hints at Possible End to Russia-Ukraine War After “Productive” Talks with Putin

The summit included participation from NATO Chief Mark Rutte, EU leaders von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, as well as the heads of government from Germany, Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Romania, Turkey, and the Czech Republic, along with Commonwealth countries Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The international community remains divided on the next steps for Ukraine, but world leaders are continuing their efforts to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict.