LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to agree to a ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine if he genuinely seeks peace. Starmer emphasized that international allies intend to bolster pressure on the Kremlin, including transitioning peacekeeping force planning to an “operational phase.”
During a two-hour virtual meeting with what he has termed the “coalition of the willing,” Starmer criticized the Kremlin for its indecision and delay regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal. He condemned Russia’s “continued barbaric attacks” on Ukraine, stating these actions contradict Putin’s alleged desire for peace.
Starmer remarked, “The ball is now in Russia’s court. President Putin must demonstrate his commitment to peace by agreeing to a ceasefire on equitable terms.” The conference involved about 30 global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other leaders from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, alongside NATO and EU officials.
This meeting, the second of its kind within two weeks, was organized by Starmer to support Ukraine amid the changing U.S. diplomatic stance following President Trump’s return. It aimed to assess support for potential peacekeeping missions. Notably, a larger number of nations participated compared to a previous meeting on March 2.
The discussions exhibited a stronger collective resolve, with new commitments presented regarding both defending peace and the broader defense and security concerns of Europe. Starmer noted.
He reinforced the collective commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security, stating Ukraine “must be able to defend itself and deter future Russian aggression.” Military planners are set to meet again in the U.K. to advance practical measures supporting Ukraine’s future security.
Starmer also mentioned that allies are willing to deploy troops into Ukraine to preserve peace following any ceasefire agreement. The U.K. and France are striving to rally Ukraine’s allies in contributing troops, weapons, or other assistance to a European military force intended to reassure Ukraine and deter Russian advances.
Starmer stated, “We will strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and armed forces, ready to act as a ‘coalition of the willing’ in the case of a peace agreement, ensuring Ukraine’s security on land, at sea, and in the sky.”
The meeting followed a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, which Zelenskyy supports. Putin has expressed conditional approval, outlining various details that require clarification beforehand.
Starmer pointed to Zelenskyy’s endorsement of an unconditional ceasefire as evidence of Ukraine being a “party of peace,” while Macron lauded it as a display of “courage.” Macron stressed that Russia does not seem honest in its peace pursuits, accusing Putin of escalating violence before negotiations.
Macron emphasized, “This is where our peace-through-strength strategy becomes critical. A clear response from Russia is needed, and pressure — coordinated with the United States — to secure the ceasefire must be unwavering.”
Zelenskyy, following the meeting, called for heightened sanctions to pressure Russia into agreeing to an unconditional ceasefire that could lay the groundwork for a peace accord. In a series of statements, he asserted that “Moscow comprehends one language” and that a 30-day ceasefire could provide an opportunity to negotiate meaningful peace.
Zelenskyy clarified that Putin should not dictate who manages security in Ukraine post-ceasefire, backing a European presence with U.S. support. “If Putin wishes to bring a foreign contingent onto Russia’s territory, that is his prerogative. But he cannot dictate anything related to Ukraine’s and Europe’s security,” Zelenskyy maintained.
A challenge for the coalition and Zelenskyy is Trump’s tepid backing for security arrangements involving U.S. military involvement. The U.S. stance on the war has shifted noticeably with Trump’s return to office. The contrast in approaches between Trump and his predecessor, President Joe Biden, became apparent, especially after a disagreement between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Starmer and Macron have been instrumental in coalescing the “coalition of the willing,” partly to persuade Trump to uphold support for Kyiv. This initiative has prompted European nations to recognize the necessity of enhancing their security, including higher defense spending.
Germany’s leader, Olaf Scholz, welcomed Zelenskyy’s readiness for an “unconditional” ceasefire and praised the “significance of American presidential leadership.”
Trump expressed optimism, stemming from recent discussions between Russian envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin, about Russia’s potential support of a ceasefire. “Regarding ceasefire prospects and eventually a deal, I perceive positive signals from Russia,” Trump remarked.
Ukraine has already agreed to the truce, facing intense military pressures three years into Russia’s invasion. Russia’s military has gained some ground recently, prompting analysts to predict Putin’s hesitation to commit to a ceasefire while holding the upper hand.
Starmer expressed confidence, “Sooner or later, Putin must negotiate. This is the moment for action; let the weapons fall silent, let the senseless attacks stop, and commit to a ceasefire now.”