Sir Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, recently commented on the talks between Ukraine’s allies in Kyiv, calling it a “significant moment” in the effort to secure a ceasefire in the country’s conflict with Russia. However, he acknowledged that this was not the end of the process. The meeting of the “coalition of the willing” was attended by around 30 global leaders who reiterated the call for Russia to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday.
During a virtual meeting hosted by Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky, Sir Keir, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, discussed the importance of unity in the demand for a ceasefire. Other members of the coalition, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, joined remotely.
The leaders warned of imposing “new and massive” sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors if Putin does not comply with the ceasefire demand. Sir Keir emphasized the need for unity in both the demand and response to ensure a better prospect of achieving a ceasefire.
In a phone call with Donald Trump, the US president reaffirmed his support for the ceasefire, emphasizing that it must be met. The Kremlin responded to the proposal by accusing European leaders of making contradictory remarks about Russia, calling for an end to arms shipments to Ukraine before considering a ceasefire.
The meeting in Kyiv was significant in light of the previous day’s World War Two Victory Day parade in Moscow, attended by world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Sir Keir highlighted the importance of demonstrating support for Ukraine and the values it stands for in the face of escalating conflicts around the world.
Reflecting on the current state of the world, Sir Keir acknowledged the uncertainty and the need for leadership to address security challenges. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on bringing people together and preparing for what may come next.
The “coalition of the willing” aims to provide security guarantees and peacekeeping troops in Ukraine as part of any eventual peace deal. The meeting in Kyiv served as a symbolic show of support for Ukraine and a demonstration of unity among global leaders in the push for a ceasefire.
Overall, the talks in Kyiv represent a step forward in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. While challenges remain, the collective action taken by the coalition of global leaders signals a commitment to achieving peace and stability in the region.
