UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British PM Sir Keir Starmer would back a Ukraine peace deal without a ceasefire, while Britain stresses ending the killing and ensuring lasting peace.
As reported by The Independent, No 10 has indicated that Sir Keir Starmer is prepared to support a Ukraine peace deal without a ceasefire, with the PM saying he could send troops to ensure security if an agreement is reached.
Downing Street urged an end to the killing in Ukraine but did not repeat its previous position that a ceasefire was needed before peace talks.
Keir Starmer’s spokesman’s views on the Ukraine ceasefire
Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman confirmed on Monday that the UK’s priority is ending the killing in Ukraine, adding,
“We are all working towards the same goal, which is ending the killing in Ukraine.”
He said,
“We have said we want to see a sustainable and just peace for Ukraine, which ensures peace returns to Europe and the Ukrainian people can live without fear of attack again.”
The PM’s spokesman remained firm that Britain wants to end the killing when asked about a possible change from its previous stance, saying,
“We want to bring about an end to the killing.”
He stated,
“If you can bring about an end to the killing and bring about a sustained peace in one go, then all the better.”
On his way to Washington, DC, for crucial talks with Trump and European leaders, Sir Keir said allies must ensure a fair and just peace in Ukraine.
Referring to the conflict, Mr Starmer said,
“Everybody wants it to end, not least the Ukrainians. But we’ve got to get this right. We’ve got to make sure there is peace, that it is lasting peace, and that it is fair and that it is just.”
He added,
“That’s why I’m travelling to Washington with other European leaders to discuss this face to face with President Trump and President Zelensky, because it’s in everyone’s interests, it’s in the UK’s interests that we get this right.”
Downing Street insisted that Britain continues to support Ukraine joining NATO, despite Trump suggesting Kyiv should not be allowed into the alliance.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman stated,
“Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to the EU or NATO.”
Asked about a possible Trump veto, the spokesman said Britain’s stance on Ukraine and NATO remains unchanged.
The spokesman said No 10 is “hand in glove” with the US when asked if Sir Keir Starmer trusts the American leader on Ukraine.
Which European leaders will join Zelensky in talks with Trump?
The UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland and the European Commission will meet with Zelensky and Trump today to push for further sanctions on Russia and influence the peace process.
Earlier this month, they stated in a statement,
“We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.”
They added,
“Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force. The current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations.”
Referring to the meeting, the White House said today’s talks are “an important moment on the journey towards lasting peace.”
Volodymyr Zelensky’s views on Ukraine’s peace efforts
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed his country is committed to peace following a meeting with Donald Trump’s representative before a White House visit.
He held talks with General Keith Kellogg in Washington this morning.
Mr Zelensky stated,
“I thank Gen Kellogg for the meeting and for the joint work with our team. President Trump invited Ukraine and other European countries to Washington today – this is the first meeting in such a format, and it is very serious.”
He said,
“When peace is discussed for one country in Europe, it means peace for all of Europe. We are ready to continue working with maximum effort to end the war and to ensure reliable security. These are the key issues.”
The Ukrainian president stated,
“Last night, Russian attacks on our cities continued – among those killed were two children, and dozens of people were wounded. People were simply sleeping when the Russian army launched strikes on the cities.”
He added,
“We discussed the battlefield situation and our strong diplomatic capabilities – Ukraine’s and all of Europe’s together with America. Russia can only be forced into peace through strength, and President Trump has that strength. We have to do everything right to make peace happen. Thank you!”