LONDON:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the “ball is in Russia’s court” and emphasized that President Vladimir Putin would eventually have to “come to the table” for negotiations. This statement followed a virtual summit held on Saturday aimed at garnering support for a coalition dedicated to safeguarding any potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
During the group call, hosted by Downing Street and attended by approximately 26 leaders, Starmer urged participants to concentrate on bolstering Ukraine’s defenses, ensuring the protection of any ceasefire agreement, and maintaining pressure on Moscow.
Starmer highlighted that Ukraine had demonstrated its commitment to peace by agreeing to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. However, he accused Putin of attempting to stall progress, stating, “Putin is the one trying to delay.”
“If Putin is serious about peace, it’s straightforward: he must halt his brutal attacks on Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire. The world is watching,” Starmer added.
Following the discussions, Starmer announced that military officials would reconvene on Thursday in the UK as the coalition transitions into “the operational phase.” He noted, “The group that met this morning is larger than the one from two weeks ago, demonstrating stronger collective determination. New commitments were also made during today’s meeting.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns that Russia is seeking to strengthen its military position before agreeing to any ceasefire, more than three years after its invasion of Ukraine.
“They aim to improve their battlefield situation,” Zelensky stated during a press conference in Kyiv.
The ceasefire proposal, reportedly backed by former US President Donald Trump’s team, comes at a time when Russian forces are gaining momentum in several areas along the frontlines in Ukraine.
Putin has not yet agreed to an immediate ceasefire proposed by the US, instead presenting a series of demands. Zelensky dismissed Putin’s claims, asserting that the Russian leader is “falsely portraying a ceasefire as overly complicated.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these sentiments in a post on X, emphasizing that Russia must demonstrate its willingness to support a ceasefire that paves the way for “a just and lasting peace.”
