London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Vladimir Putin to engage in serious talks as Europe considers new sanctions amid the escalating Ukraine conflict.
As reported by The Independent, David Lammy has urged the Russian president to “get serious” about peace talks amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine.
What did David Lammy say about Putin and peace talks?
Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his willingness to engage in discussions. This came as European ministers met in London to address regional security concerns.
He urged the Russian leader to show a genuine commitment to peace, saying,
“This is the time for Vladimir Putin to get serious about peace in Europe, to get serious about a ceasefire, and to get serious about talks.”
Mr Lammy said Europe’s leaders are
“prepared if this is not the moment of seriousness from Putin.”
After a weekend of diplomatic efforts for Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary is convening a meeting with his counterparts from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, and the EU at Lancaster House on Monday.
At the upcoming Weimar+ meeting, Mr Lammy is expected to announce new sanctions against those backing Moscow, just after Sir Keir Starmer called for further measures if Russia fails to engage in talks.
He told reporters that April marked the “deadliest month” for children in the conflict, calling for Russia to begin negotiations.
What did Kaja Kallas say about the ceasefire and Russia’s stance on peace?
Kaja Kallas, EU Commission vice president stated,
“If there is no ceasefire there cannot be talks under fire.”
She added,
“We want to see that Russia also wants peace. It takes two to want peace, it takes only one to want war, and we see that Russia clearly wants war.”
Radoslaw Sikorski’s views on the Russian consulate in Krakow
Radoslaw Sikorski, Poland’s Foreign Minister, announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Krakow after authorities discovered its involvement in an arson attack at a shopping mall in Warsaw.
He said,
“This is completely unacceptable, so the Russian consulate will have to leave.”
Speaking at the start of the meeting, the Foreign Secretary stressed that Ukraine’s allies would work together to ensure it is placed in a “position of strength” and effectively “counter the threat” from Mr. Putin.
What did Keir Starmer say about urging Putin to accept a truce?
On May 10, Sir Keir Starmer visited Kyiv alongside French, German, and Polish counterparts to discuss the coalition of the willing plans with President Zelensky.
At a press conference in Kyiv, the Prime Minister said European allies, along with the US, are calling out Putin. He called for a 30-day truce and announced that new sanctions would be imposed if he “turns his back on peace.”
Zelenskyy stance on ceasefire talks
Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a ceasefire starting Monday and invited Vladimir Putin to meet in Istanbul for peace talks on Thursday.
He stated in a statement,
“We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow [Monday], to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy,”
Adding,
“There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.”
What did Trump say about Ukraine’s peace talks with Russia?
US President Donald Trump urged Zelenskyy to take immediate action on the peace talks, posting “HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!,” shortly before Zelenskyy’s response followed.
He wrote,
“President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY.”
Mr Trump added,
“At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!”
Ukraine-Russia war
- Start Date: February 24, 2022 (Russia launched a full-scale invasion; conflict began in 2014 with Crimea annexation).
- Deaths (Estimated):
- Ukrainian soldiers: ~70,000+ (as of 2024, per US estimates).
- Russian soldiers: ~120,000–150,000+ (as of 2024, per Western estimates).
- Civilians: ~10,000+ confirmed by UN (actually likely much higher).
- Displaced People:
- ~6.3 million Ukrainians fled abroad.
- ~5 million internally displaced.