UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-host a Ukraine summit in Paris, accusing Vladimir Putin of making “hollow” promises in ceasefire talks.
According to The Independent, during a high-level summit in Paris, the Labour leader will criticize Vladimir Putin for failing to uphold commitments in ceasefire talks. The summit will focus on military strategies for a potential resolution to the Ukraine war.
How will Europe strengthen its defense against Russia?
Keir Starmer will attend a joint meeting of the “coalition of the willing” after French President Emmanuel Macron proposed that a European peacekeeping force could respond if attacked by Russia.
At London’s Northwood military headquarters, the Prime Minister will outline a defense strategy aimed at strengthening Kyiv and countering potential threats from Moscow. The plan has been developed through extensive discussions among top officials.
Military leaders from over 200 countries gathered to assess the framework for a potential future deployment. Discussions covered strategic plans for air, sea, and land forces.
European officials have stated that under any peace settlement, Ukraine’s army would be responsible for defending against future Russian attacks.
What will Keir Starmer say about keeping up the pressure on Putin?
Number 10 said that the Prime Minister will tell allies that ‘excellent progress’ has been made and Europe is “mobilizing together in pursuit of peace,” but now it’s time to ensure that momentum is maintained.”
Mr Starmer will accuse the Russian president of ‘playing games’ with the Black Sea naval ceasefire deal, after distinct discussions between US negotiators and their counterparts in Kyiv and Moscow.
Sir Keir will say,
“Unlike President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, Putin has shown he’s not a serious player in these peace talks. Playing games with the agreed naval ceasefire in the Black Sea despite good faith participation from all sides – all while continuing to inflict devastating attacks on the Ukrainian people. His promises are hollow.”
He will add more,
“The US is playing a leading role by convening the ceasefire talks, President Zelensky has demonstrated his commitment repeatedly, and Europe is stepping up to play its part to defend Ukraine’s future. Now Putin needs to show he’s willing to play ball.”
Did the US signal easing sanctions and a ceasefire in the Black Sea?
The White House announced that both countries had reached an agreement “to ensure safe navigation” and “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea.
The US also appeared to indicate a proposal to ease sanctions on Russian agricultural goods and increase Mr Putin’s access to maritime insurance, ports, and payment systems.
The discussions were part of efforts by Trump’s administration to put a 30-day ceasefire into action, which Moscow and Kyiv agreed to last week in principle.
Russia’s claim of Ukrainian drone attacks on power facilities
According to Russia’s defense ministry, Ukrainian drone strikes hit power facilities in the Bryansk and Kursk regions this week. Ukraine rejected these allegations as part of a Kremlin disinformation campaign to justify ongoing hostilities.
Ukrainian officials claim that Moscow is lying regarding observing a ceasefire on energy infrastructure, while also confirming eight strikes on power sites.
What did Macron say about the military response to aggression against Ukraine?
Mr Macron stated,
“If there were again a generalised aggression against Ukrainian soil, these armies would be under attack, and then it’s our usual framework of engagement.”
He added,
“Our soldiers, when they are engaged and deployed, are there to react and respond to the decisions of the commander in chief and, if they are in a conflict situation, to respond to it.”
