The UK, alongside France and Ukraine, is devising a ceasefire strategy to propose to the US, confirmed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer following a tense exchange in the White House involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump.
Speaking after his recent trip to Washington, Sir Keir expressed his conviction that Mr. Trump is committed to securing a “lasting peace” between Russia and Ukraine, despite Europe facing a “moment of real fragility”.
The Prime Minister described feeling “uncomfortable” during the heated discussion in the Oval Office between Mr. Trump, US Vice President JD Vance, and President Zelenskyy, noting on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, “Nobody wants to see that.”
He stressed the urgency of collaborative efforts, stating, “After three years of bloody conflict, it’s time we achieved lasting peace.”
Sir Keir affirmed his trust in Mr. Trump’s intentions, based on numerous conversations and thorough discussions, highlighting Trump’s desire for peace.
He continued to advocate for a US “backstop” to bolster Ukrainian security, which he described as a topic of “intense” debate.
The Prime Minister outlined the elements vital for enduring peace, including a resilient Ukraine capable of maintaining a position of strength if needed, and a European component to the security guarantees.
Conclusively, Sir Keir was categorical about his distrust towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the necessity for robust security assurances, “I wouldn’t trust Putin not to invade again, given his proven track record and evident ambitions.”
