LONDON (AP) – British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer is holding his second global leaders meeting on Saturday to discuss developments on war in Ukraine, following another desperate week of diplomacy aimed at regaining a 30-day suspension to Russia.
Unlike the first summit on March 2nd, there will be a virtual meeting of the star, known as the “Jour Union.” The call is expected to not only measure support for future peacekeeping missions, but also delve into the ways the country can support Ukraine military and financially.
“When Russia finally comes to the table, we need to be ready to monitor the ceasefire to ensure it is a serious and lasting peace,” Starmer will tell the leader in a notes released by his office ahead of the meeting. “If they don't, we need to strain all the signs and strengthen economic pressure on Russia to ensure an end to this war.”
Approximately 25 countries, including European partners and Ukraine, are expected to be involved in the call. Leaders from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ukraine, as well as officials from NATO and the European Union will also be taking part.
Like last time, since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, no representative from the US has changed his approach in the war. The change in the approach taken by Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, became particularly pronounced after a clash with Ukrainian President Voldimi Zelensky in his elliptical office on February 28th.
Saturday's meeting comes in the wake of the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, supported by Zelensky.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown that he in principle supported the ceasefire, but has set many details that need to be made clear before agreeing to a ceasefire. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed “cautious optimism” about Putin's potential as he supported the ceasefire on Thursday, meeting with US envoy Steve Witkov.
The star appears unoptimistic and is set to tell leaders that concrete commitments are needed now, as Putin plays a “meaningless game” in Trump's peace plan.
“Putin is trying to delay by saying there must be some painstaking research before a ceasefire occurs. But the world needs to see action, not research, not empty words or meaningless conditions,” Starmer says. “The Kremlin's complete disregard for President Trump's ceasefire proposal only demonstrates that Putin is not serious about peace.”
The star, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, led the “Wished Coalition” to convince Trump to maintain his support for Kiev. One result is that acceptance is growing, especially from European countries, and security needs to be safer, including increasing defence spending.
Macron said he spoke on Friday on both Zelensky and priorities about progress in the US Ukraine talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
He said Saturday's meeting will “continue to strengthen support for Ukraine and work towards solid and lasting peace.”
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.
“My message to the Kremlin was not clear. I've stopped any wild attacks on Ukraine and agreed to a ceasefire now,” Starmer said.
