Article text:
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warmly received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street for private talks aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting comes just ahead of a critical summit in Alaska, where US President Donald Trump will sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the war's potential resolution. Starmer conveyed his belief that there is a "viable chance" for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the need to protect Ukraine's "territorial integrity" and maintain that international borders cannot be altered by military force.
During their discussions, Zelensky and other European leaders, who will not be in attendance at the Alaska summit, participated in a joint call with Trump on Wednesday, where they reiterated their stance on the war. The timing of this highly visible meeting in London serves as a strategic demonstration of support from the United Kingdom, occurring just a day before the conference in Alaska.
In a further development, visiting US Vice-President JD Vance stated that fostering peace in Europe is one of Trump's paramount objectives. Recently, Trump hinted at the possibility of "territory swapping" that might benefit both parties, giving rise to concerns that Ukraine could be pressured to concede some territories to conclude the conflict. Ukraine has firmly rejected any notion of conceding lands under Russian control, including Crimea, while Russia insists on guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO and desires limitations on Ukraine's military size.
In a virtual meeting with European leaders following the call with Trump, Starmer underscored that any ceasefire must be durable and supported by security guarantees. He pointed to the formation of the "Coalition of the Willing," composed of mainly European nations committed to bolstering support for Ukraine, including potential military deployments to deter any violations of peace agreements.
Starmer highlighted the coalition's "credible" military strategies ready for activation should a ceasefire be established, confessing that its leaders are also prepared to escalate economic measures against Russia if necessary, such as increasing sanctions. Recognizing Trump's initiative in the peace process, Starmer remarked, "For more than three years, we've been searching for a viable resolution, which seems closer now due to the president's efforts."
Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger remarked that while Trump may have the potential to resolve the conflict, he cautioned that Putin might be manipulating the situation to his advantage. He stressed that the core issue was not merely about territorial disputes; instead, it pertains to the very sovereignty of Ukraine, which Putin aims to undermine.
Currently on a private trip in the UK, Vice-President Vance was also involved in the call with European leaders. Earlier, he addressed US military personnel stationed in the UK at RAF Fairford, praising the longstanding alliance between the US and the UK, asserting that both nations strive not just for victory in conflicts, but also meaningful collaboration for global peace and prosperity.
After the talks with European leaders, Trump announced that there was a possibility of a face-to-face meeting involving both Zelensky and Putin, during which he would assess the current state of affairs with Putin. Trump warned of "severe consequences" for Russia if it refuses to settle the conflict following the upcoming summit. Zelensky, who participated in the call while in Berlin for discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, affirmed that the US remains steadfast in support of Ukraine and asserted that Russia is resistant to peace initiatives. "Putin cannot deceive us," he stated firmly.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warmly received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street for private talks aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting comes just ahead of a critical summit in Alaska, where US President Donald Trump will sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the war's potential resolution. Starmer conveyed his belief that there is a "viable chance" for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the need to protect Ukraine's "territorial integrity" and maintain that international borders cannot be altered by military force.
During their discussions, Zelensky and other European leaders, who will not be in attendance at the Alaska summit, participated in a joint call with Trump on Wednesday, where they reiterated their stance on the war. The timing of this highly visible meeting in London serves as a strategic demonstration of support from the United Kingdom, occurring just a day before the conference in Alaska.
In a further development, visiting US Vice-President JD Vance stated that fostering peace in Europe is one of Trump's paramount objectives. Recently, Trump hinted at the possibility of "territory swapping" that might benefit both parties, giving rise to concerns that Ukraine could be pressured to concede some territories to conclude the conflict. Ukraine has firmly rejected any notion of conceding lands under Russian control, including Crimea, while Russia insists on guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO and desires limitations on Ukraine's military size.
In a virtual meeting with European leaders following the call with Trump, Starmer underscored that any ceasefire must be durable and supported by security guarantees. He pointed to the formation of the "Coalition of the Willing," composed of mainly European nations committed to bolstering support for Ukraine, including potential military deployments to deter any violations of peace agreements.
Starmer highlighted the coalition's "credible" military strategies ready for activation should a ceasefire be established, confessing that its leaders are also prepared to escalate economic measures against Russia if necessary, such as increasing sanctions. Recognizing Trump's initiative in the peace process, Starmer remarked, "For more than three years, we've been searching for a viable resolution, which seems closer now due to the president's efforts."
Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger remarked that while Trump may have the potential to resolve the conflict, he cautioned that Putin might be manipulating the situation to his advantage. He stressed that the core issue was not merely about territorial disputes; instead, it pertains to the very sovereignty of Ukraine, which Putin aims to undermine.
Currently on a private trip in the UK, Vice-President Vance was also involved in the call with European leaders. Earlier, he addressed US military personnel stationed in the UK at RAF Fairford, praising the longstanding alliance between the US and the UK, asserting that both nations strive not just for victory in conflicts, but also meaningful collaboration for global peace and prosperity.
After the talks with European leaders, Trump announced that there was a possibility of a face-to-face meeting involving both Zelensky and Putin, during which he would assess the current state of affairs with Putin. Trump warned of "severe consequences" for Russia if it refuses to settle the conflict following the upcoming summit. Zelensky, who participated in the call while in Berlin for discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, affirmed that the US remains steadfast in support of Ukraine and asserted that Russia is resistant to peace initiatives. "Putin cannot deceive us," he stated firmly.
