Ukraine’s Peace Talks: Minister Calls for Inclusion
Recent discussions involving Russia are viewed as a significant “step forward”, yet it is crucial that Ukraine is given a voice in these negotiations, according to a cabinet minister. Ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s upcoming visit to the United States, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the necessity for European nations to “step up and play a part” in fostering peace in Ukraine. Notably, both European countries and Ukrainian representatives have been notably absent from the ongoing diplomatic talks taking place in Saudi Arabia.
While these discussions continue, former President Donald Trump has criticized both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for not doing enough to resolve the ongoing conflict. In an interview with Sky News, Phillipson acknowledged the US’s initiative to “bring people to the table” but firmly stated that a “Ukrainian voice will be central to that agreement”. She warned that any peace that does not include Ukraine will likely be unsustainable.
Key Developments:
- Trump’s move to engage Russia in talks is deemed a ‘step forward’ by the minister.
- Starmer vows ‘ironclad support’ for Ukraine in advance of his meeting with Trump.
Government’s Commitment to Defence Spending
The government remains “steadfastly committed” to allocating 2.5% of GDP towards defence, as reiterated by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. While she refrained from providing a specific timeline for reaching this target, she noted that the last time the 2.5% threshold was achieved was “under a Labour Government”.
Phillipson emphasized their determination to meet this goal during an appearance on Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips. The Prime Minister is anticipated to clarify a timeline for increasing UK defence spending during his forthcoming trip to Washington, D.C. This move aims to ease tensions with the White House after Trump urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. The government faces increasing pressure from defence leaders and critics, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who recently urged the Prime Minister to outline a concrete plan to meet the target.
New Sanctions on Russia to Mark War Anniversary
In a move to bolster pressure on Russia, the government plans to unveil new sanctions aimed at “turning the screws” on the Kremlin, coinciding with the third anniversary of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that he would reveal what he described as the largest package of sanctions since the conflict began, during a press conference on Monday.
Lammy stated that these measures are designed to undermine Russia’s revenue streams and disrupt Vladimir Putin’s “military machine”. He declared, “Tomorrow, I intend to announce the most comprehensive sanctions against Russia since the early days of the war, aimed at eroding their military capabilities and cutting off the financial resources that fuel the destruction in Ukraine.” He urged Europe to “double down” on its support for Ukraine, advocating for “peace through strength”.
Starmer’s Pledge of Support for Ukraine
Good morning and welcome to the latest updates. Sir Keir Starmer has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he will advocate for the protection of Ukraine’s sovereignty in his upcoming discussions with Donald Trump. This commitment comes as Trump has suggested that a resolution to the conflict is “close”.
During a recent conversation with President Zelensky, Starmer expressed his intention to advance crucial discussions regarding Kyiv’s security during his visit to Washington. A spokesperson from Downing Street noted that Starmer had reaffirmed the UK’s “ironclad support for Ukraine and commitment to securing a just and lasting peace to put an end to Russia’s illegal war”.
This meeting with Trump is poised to be a pivotal moment in Starmer’s leadership, particularly in light of the delicate relations between the United States and Europe following Trump’s recent comments, in which he labeled Zelensky a “dictator” and criticized both Starmer and Macron for their lack of action to resolve the crisis.
