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Keir Starmer has emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Ukraine, stating that military leaders will convene next week to advance efforts toward establishing a peace agreement. His remarks come amid a timeframe of over three years of conflict in the region.
During a press briefing at Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister criticized Vladimir Putin’s indecisive stance on a proposed ceasefire, asserting that the Russian leader must ultimately engage in negotiations. Starmer accused Putin of attempting to postpone peace initiatives, underlining the necessity for a resolution to the ongoing war.
The comments were made following a virtual gathering of the so-called “coalition of the willing,” which included representatives from the European Commission, various European nations, NATO, Canada, Ukraine, Australia, and New Zealand. This meeting featured speeches from notable leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Starmer urged, “Sooner or later, Putin will have to come to the table. This is the moment for peace. Let us silence the guns and terminate the brutal assaults on Ukraine once and for all. We must reach an agreement for a ceasefire now.”
In his address, he called for immediate discussions aimed at establishing a framework for a complete ceasefire and durable peace, fortified by robust security arrangements through the coalition. Starmer highlighted the necessity of acting decisively, asserting that they would not wait for Putin to make the first move, but rather intensify their efforts to support the Ukrainian cause.
“The meeting has resulted in renewed commitments, particularly concerning the broader security of Europe,” he noted. Starmer stressed the importance of maintaining military support for Ukraine while increasing economic sanctions on Russia to diminish Putin’s military capabilities and compel him to negotiate.
He stated, “We have committed to ramping up our initiatives to facilitate the progression towards a peace deal, so we are transitioning into an operational phase.”
Discussing the upcoming military meeting, Starmer mentioned that it would yield “robust plans” to effectively support a peace agreement and ensure Ukraine’s long-term security. He previously referred to Ukraine and its leadership as the “party of peace,” reiterating his belief that all diplomatic channels must be explored.
The UK is maintaining frequent communication with the US regarding the unfolding conflict, emphasizing the need for Europe to enhance its defense mechanisms. Starmer acknowledged that Ukraine had agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal; however, on the contrary, Putin has laid out extensive preconditions that Ukraine must meet before Russia commits to this truce. These conditions include assurances that Ukraine would refrain from rearming during the ceasefire period.
Starmer criticized the Russian president’s demands, stating, “Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, but Putin is stalling, insisting on a prolonged analysis before a ceasefire could happen. The world needs decisive action, not prolonged discussions or empty promises.”
Further complicating the situation, Zelenskyy reported a significant accumulation of Russian military forces along Ukraine’s eastern border, which may indicate preparations for a new offensive against the Sumy region. He asserted that this military buildup reflects Moscow’s disregard for diplomatic efforts and signifies a continuation of the conflict.
The Ukrainian leader confirmed that his forces remain actively engaged in operations near the Russian Kursk region and dismissed claims of impending encirclement made by both Russian and American officials. Starmer reiterated that a pathway to enduring tranquility should be pursued, urging that the moment is ripe to advocate for stopping the violence and achieving a sustainable peace in Ukraine, ensuring security for all parties involved.
Source
www.theguardian.com