Starmer critises Russia of not being 'serious player' in peace talks

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Vladimir Putin of making empty promises on a Ukraine ceasefire. Speaking at a Paris summit, he emphasized Europe’s role in supporting Ukraine and criticised Russia’s lack of commitment to peace talks, citing its reversal on a Black Sea ceasefire deal.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for making untrustworthy commitments regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine, according to an official statement released on Thursday.

Starmer is co-hosting the third summit of the "coalition of the willing" in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, following separate discussions involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week. He is set to emphasise the importance of continued international support for Ukraine while highlighting Europe's increasing role in safeguarding the country’s future.

During the gathering, Starmer will outline the key conclusions from recent planning sessions held at the UK’s military operational headquarters in Northwood over the past three days. According to his office, these sessions, which brought together more than 200 military planners from various nations, focused on structuring Ukraine’s future defense strategy to counter potential Russian aggression.

Further discussions will explore the necessary military resources—across air, sea, and land—that would help establish a stable and enduring peace in Ukraine. Starmer is expected to stress that ensuring long-term security for Ukraine requires a collective effort to provide strong and credible guarantees that deter future threats from Russia.

He will also criticize Russia for failing to demonstrate genuine commitment to the peace process, particularly following ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The statement noted that while agreements were initially reached concerning a naval ceasefire and restrictions on using commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea, Russia quickly altered its stance by imposing additional conditions.

Starmer is likely to argue that, in contrast to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Putin has not engaged in the negotiations in a serious manner. He is expected to highlight Russia’s contradictory actions, such as undermining the Black Sea ceasefire despite constructive efforts from multiple parties, while continuing its aggressive attacks on Ukraine.

The prime minister will call on Putin to demonstrate a genuine willingness to engage in meaningful peace talks.

Copied