British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated standing by Ukraine in the fight back against what he calls "the menace" that is Russia, photo: PA Media
(The Post News)- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that Britain must take the lead in achieving a sustainable peace, saying that the country’s involvement in the current crisis in Ukraine is still vital. Following a series of diplomatic talks, which included a significant dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, this announcement comes at a critical juncture.
During a statement to the House of Commons, Starmer emphasised that the U.K. must continue to “lead from the front” in securing peace in Ukraine. He pointed to the government’s recent actions, including a £1.6 billion deal to supply Kyiv with 5,000 air defense missiles, as evidence of Britain’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense. “The tough choices that we made last week are not done,” Starmer stated. “We must aim for a sustainable peace in Ukraine. In order to ensure the safety of our nation, our continent, and the British people, Britain will take the lead.”
Starmer’s remarks follow a week of intense diplomacy that included talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Downing Street and a meeting with President Trump at the White House. Tensions were raised on Friday by a public dispute between Zelenskyy and Trump over a ceasefire agreement. By casting doubt on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to ceasefire accords, Zelenskyy was accused by Trump of disrespecting the United States and jeopardizing international peace.
Starmer refrained from taking sides but described the confrontation as something “nobody wants to see.” He affirmed that the U.S. remains an “indispensable” ally in securing peace for Ukraine, underlining the importance of transatlantic cooperation.”In fact, the past week has shown that the U.S. is vital in securing the peace we all want to see in Ukraine,” Starmer said.
Trump’s confrontation with Zelenskyy has raised concerns among some Western leaders about the U.S.’s continued support for Ukraine. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticised the U.K.’s reliance on the U.S., expressing doubts about Trump’s reliability in handling Russia.
However, many in the opposition, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have praised Starmer’s diplomatic efforts. Badenoch commended Starmer for “working with allies in Europe and with the United States to bring peace to Ukraine and not a surrender to Russia.”
To reaffirm the group’s commitment to Ukraine, Starmer brought together European leaders on Sunday, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, who are close to Russia, also stressed the gravity of the issue when he spoke with them.
About the Author
