LONDON – British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer on Saturday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to register for a ceasefire in a war with Ukraine if peace is serious, and his allies will continue to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
Following a two-hour virtual meeting of what he called the “coalition of will,” Starmer said he was “completely opposed” Putin's desire for peace on the Kremlin's “dithering and delays” against President Trump's ceasefire proposal, as well as Russia's “continuous wild attacks” on Ukraine.
“We have now agreed that Ball is in the Russian courts. Putin must prove that he is peaceful and signed up for the ceasefire equally,” the prime minister said.
Approximately 30 leaders were involved in the phone, including European partners such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Also present was Ukrainian President Voldy Mie Zelensky and leaders from Australia, Canada and New Zealand, as well as officials from the NATO and the European Union.
Starmer convened a second meeting in two weeks to measure support for future peacekeeping missions as a way to support Ukraine, facing a change in US approach. This time there were more countries involved than the previous meeting on March 2nd.
He said that “stronger collective resolve and new commitments have been placed on the table” in relation to both the defense of the deal and the broader issues of European defense and security.
Ukrainian army to protect peace
Priority said that all attendees reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to long-term security, and agreed that Ukraine “must be able to protect itself and stop future Russian invasions.”
He added that “robust and reliable security arrangements” are the best way to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine, and said military planners will once again convene in the UK on Thursday to advance practical plans to support Ukraine's future security.
Without providing accurate details, priority again said that the allies are ready to send troops into Ukraine to protect the peace after the ceasefire. The UK and France have been working to reassure Ukraine and acquire Ukrainian allies to provide troops, weapons or other aid to European troops that could be deployed to stop the attack once again.
“We are ready to build up Ukraine's own defense and army, and to deploy as a 'coalition of will' in the case of peace agreements, to help secure Ukraine at sea, sea and air,” he added.
No ceasefire situation
The conference was brought to light after the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, supported by Zelensky. Putin shows that he supports a ceasefire in principle, but sets up a number of details that need to be clarified before agreeing to a ceasefire.
Priority said Zelensky's support for an unconditional ceasefire indicates that Ukraine is the “Party of Peace.”
In a statement, Macron said Russia “doesn't seem to be loyal to peace,” and that Putin had been intensifying the fighting before negotiations.
“This is a moment when our strategy of peace is put into strength,” he said. “If we want peace, Russia must respond clearly, and the pressure must be clear in cooperation with the US to ensure this ceasefire.”
Zelensky emerged from a conference calling for strengthened sanctions to pressure Russia to accept a ceasefire without conditions that could pave the way for a peace agreement. In a series of posts on Social Platform X, he said “Moscow understands one language” and that the 30-day ceasefire will create a window that “no killing” and “can truly negotiate every aspect of true peace.”
He also said that it was not the responsibility of Putin, stationed in Ukraine after the peace deal, as he gave support to Europeans on earth along with the American “backstop.”
“If Putin wants to bring foreign terms to Russian territory, it's his business. But it's not his business that makes any decisions about the security of Ukraine and Europe,” Zelenkie said.
A potential problem for the Union and Zelensky is that Trump has given little or no support for security arrangements, including support from the US military.
“A good atmosphere coming from Russia”
The US has shifted its approach in the war since Trump returned to the White House. The change to the approach taken by former President Biden has become particularly well-known after clashing with Zelensky in his oval office on February 28th.
The star, together with Macron, led the way in persuading Trump to maintain his support for Kiev in building a “coalition of will.” One result is that acceptance is growing, especially from European countries, and more needs to be done to ensure their own security, including increasing defense spending.
Prime Minister Olaf Scholz's office welcomed the German leader's preparations for Zelensky to enter a “unconditional” 30-day ceasefire, saying it “emphasized the importance of the role of the leader of the US president.”
Trump expressed optimism on Friday.
“I get from a ceasefire perspective and, ultimately, the perspective of a rather good atmosphere coming out of Russia,” he said.
Ukraine is under severe military pressure on some of the frontlines three years after the full-scale Russian invasion, and has already approved the ceasefire proposal. The Russian army has gained battlefield momentum, and analysts say it is likely that Putin will be reluctant to rush to a ceasefire while he feels he has an advantage.
“Sometimes or later Putin will have to come to the table,” Starmer said. “So this is a moment, silence the gun, stop the wild attacks on Ukraine at once, stop and agree to a ceasefire.”
