UK Prime Minister Starmer's 'sooner or later' ultimatum to Putin

While uncertainty over a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia continues, the UK hosted an online Ukraine Summit. The virtual summit, attended by 26 countries allied with Ukraine, addressed arrangements for Ukraine's security and further sanctions against Russia. Speaking at a press conference after the summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Ukraine is "without a doubt" on the side of peace, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to delay a ceasefire. Calling on world nations to push for a ceasefire, Starmer said, "The world must act. Leave aside empty words and conditions. My message is clear: sooner or later, Putin will have to come to the table." Starmer noted that the chaos caused by Russia also affects people in the UK.

Speaking about the summit, Starmer said, "The coalition of the willing has brought together partners from the European Union (EU), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and has received support from other countries, including Japan."

"COUNTRIES HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT"

Emphasizing that the efforts of supporting countries must continue, Starmer said, "We have agreed that we will continue to increase pressure on Russia, maintain the flow of military aid to Ukraine, and tighten restrictions on the Russian economy to weaken Putin's war machine and force him to the table."

Stating that it is time to accelerate the practical work needed to move toward a peace agreement, Starmer said, "Our military officials will meet in the UK this Thursday to prepare strong and robust plans to back a peace agreement and guarantee Ukraine's future security. President Trump has proposed a path to a lasting peace to Putin. Now we must turn this into reality."

Starmer stated that there is no alternative to "US support" to deter Putin from attacking again. Saying that Washington's forces and infrastructure are the backbone of the Western NATO alliance, he added, "This needs to be done in conjunction with the United States. We are in contact with the US every day."

Responding to a question about the concrete commitments made at today's summit, Starmer said that much has changed since the meeting with European leaders two weeks ago regarding Ukraine's future, and that the group that met this morning was a "larger group" than the one two weeks ago. The UK Prime Minister said, "We have a stronger shared resolve. New commitments were put on the table this morning. Countries have agreed that we need to move to the operational phase. We have gained political and military momentum."

SANCTIONS TO BE IMPOSED ON RUSSIA WERE DISCUSSED

Emphasizing that it is time to exert maximum pressure on Russia, Starmer said, "At today's summit, we discussed ways to increase Ukraine's military capacity in both the short and long term. This will exert pressure on Russia. We also discussed how much further the sanctions imposed on Russia can be tightened and whether Russia's frozen assets can be seized."

Stating that further actions regarding Russian assets would also be addressed, Starmer said, "If we exert pressure on Putin and demonstrate collective resolve and clear leadership on this issue, we can move this forward and bring the parties to the table for negotiations."

Noting that the outcome of ceasefire talks must be a "just and lasting peace" that everyone, especially the Ukrainians, desires, Starmer said, "Peace in Ukraine is vital for the defense and security of Europe and the United Kingdom, because whatever happens in Europe always reaches our shores."

"MUST RESPOND CLEARLY"

French President Emmanuel Macron stated after the meeting, "Russia does not give the impression that it seriously wants peace." Explaining that instead of responding to the US-led proposal, Russia has intensified its attacks, Macron said, "President Putin wants to negotiate only after he has achieved everything. If we want peace, Russia must respond clearly and the pressure must be firm, and this must be done in coordination with the US so that a ceasefire can be achieved."

In a statement issued by the Italian Prime Minister's office, it was said, "Prime Minister Meloni reaffirmed Italy's intention to continue working with Europe, Western partners, and the United States to define credible and effective security guarantees, and reiterated that national participation in a possible ground military force is not foreseen."

News Source: İHA