UK Urges Pressure on Russia If Putin Balks at Ukraine Truce

Starmer’s remarks came at the start of a call with like-minded leaders on Saturday, after Putin said he wanted to discuss a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine with US President Donald Trump. The Russian leader stopped short of endorsing the plan without resolving what he’s termed the underlying causes of the crisis. Starmer in turn accused Putin of foot-dragging in response to Trump’s calls for a quick pause in fighting. 

“If Putin is serious about peace, it’s very simple: he has to stop his barbaric attacks on Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire,” Starmer said. “And the world is watching. And my feeling is that sooner or later Putin is going to have to come to the table and engage in serious discussions.” 

Starmer convened Saturday’s call with about 25 world leaders to discuss support for Ukraine, as part of what Britain is calling a “coalition of the willing.” The meeting follows an in-person summit hosted by the premier and French President Emmanuel Macron at the beginning of the month, after Trump’s administration stunned European allies by opening direct talks with Putin. 

The leaders of several European nations, along with those of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, were expected to join, Downing Street previously said.

The meeting was planned to focus on strengthening Ukraine so it can defend itself, in order to achieve a peace that will be “secure, and that will last,” Starmer said. Also up for discussion is how Europe must be prepared to defend any deal and keep up the pressure on Putin, he added.

The leaders intend to soon present their proposals to Trump, who they’re seeking to persuade to commit US security guarantees in the form of air power, intelligence and border surveillance — without having to send American troops as part of a peacekeeping force. Russia has said it opposes any troops belonging to North Atlantic Treaty Organization members being stationed in Ukraine after the war ends. It’s also demanded that Ukraine — which Kremlin forces invaded in 2022 — cede territory, formally agree to neutrality, and demilitarize.

Bloomberg reported this week that Western security officials assessed that Putin had set deliberately maximalist goals around land and peacekeepers that he knows are unlikely to be met, and is ready to continue fighting the war if he doesn’t get what he wants.

“We have to keep pushing ahead, pushing forward and preparing for peace,” Starmer said. 

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