Keir Starmer, along with key ministers from his government, has embarked on a series of crucial diplomatic discussions aimed at facilitating a robust peace plan for Ukraine. In a significant move, officials from the United States and Ukraine are set to convene in Riyadh on Tuesday to forge a framework that could lead to a ceasefire in the ongoing three-year conflict with Russia.
The Prime Minister, alongside the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary, is maintaining close communication with their counterparts in the US and Ukraine. Downing Street has characterized these diplomatic initiatives as “intensive”, indicating the high priority being placed on finding a resolution.
Recent developments suggest a potential shift in Donald Trump’s previously hardline stance regarding Ukraine. The former president cautioned on social media that he would impose tariffs on Russia in response to the relentless bombardment of Ukrainian targets by Vladimir Putin’s forces. This statement is likely to be welcomed by officials in Downing Street.
In the backdrop of these diplomatic efforts, Ukraine experienced a wave of widespread attacks on Thursday night, marking a troubling escalation since the US halted its intelligence-sharing program with Kyiv. In a bid to apply pressure on President Zelensky to finalize a ceasefire agreement, Trump remarked that the conflict in Ukraine could “end up in World War 3 if we don’t get it settled.”
Trump expressed his belief that President Zelensky genuinely desires peace, but he reiterated his claim that Kyiv “doesn’t have the cards” needed to negotiate effectively. He further emphasized that he understood Putin’s rationale for the intensified bombing campaign, stating, “I find that in terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia, which is surprising because they have all the cards.”
Trump continued, “They’re bombing the hell out of them right now, and I put out a very strong statement—you can’t do that.” He added that while the US aims to assist Ukraine, it is imperative for Kyiv to take decisive action to resolve the conflict.
When asked if Putin was more emboldened to attack Ukraine due to the suspension of US military aid and intelligence, Trump responded: “I actually think he’s doing what anyone else would do; he wants to get it stopped and settled.” He highlighted the importance of urgent resolution, warning that “this thing could end up in World War 3 if we don’t get it settled.” Trump suggested that Putin might be inclined to offer terms that are more generous than expected, which he viewed as a positive development.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to be in Saudi Arabia for the summit but is not anticipated to participate directly in the talks. Instead, officials from both the Ukrainian and American governments will be present in the discussions.
As optimism for a ceasefire begins to grow, Starmer engaged in discussions via phone with leaders from the EU and NATO on Friday. During these conversations, the Prime Minister acknowledged the progress made by the EU in enhancing defense and security across the continent.
A spokesperson for Downing Street commented, “Closer collaboration between the European Union, its partners, and our combined defense industrial base is vital as Europe steps up to counter egregious Russian aggression.” The Prime Minister also updated leaders on the ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the US, UK, France, and Ukraine, expressing support for the upcoming peace talks in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, the leaders discussed the “Coalition of the Willing” and prepared for the Chiefs of Defence meeting scheduled in Paris on Tuesday, recognizing it as another significant opportunity to advance planning and coordination.
A senior government source reiterated, “These discussions are not taking place in a linear fashion. Conversations are happening at all levels and in conjunction with one another.” The talks in Riyadh will unfold at an official level, with expectations that Zelensky will be in the Middle East on Monday prior to the discussions.
A Whitehall official indicated that ongoing communications with Ukrainian and American teams are crucial, with the Foreign Secretary expected to speak with his US counterpart within the next 24 hours as officials maintain contact with Ukrainian representatives.
Defence Secretary John Healey has just returned from Washington, where he engaged in “constructive” talks with his American counterpart, Pete Hegseth. However, it remains unclear whether any concrete commitments regarding security guarantees for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine were reached, or if there would be a reconsideration of the US’s suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson remarked, “It was a very constructive discussion. They talked about deepening the UK-US defense relationship and the importance of finding lasting peace in Ukraine.” The spokesperson also highlighted that the US Secretary of Defence expressed encouragement regarding Ukraine’s actions and their commitment to moving towards a ceasefire.
Discussions about the “Coalition of the Willing”—which currently includes two nations willing to contribute to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine—are ongoing, as No 10 confirmed. Although details on additional countries willing to send troops remain scarce, it is known that the UK and France have offered their support.
Healey is scheduled to visit Paris next week to meet with counterparts from the E5 group of countries, which includes the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, focusing on enforcing export controls and sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy will travel to Canada for discussions with his G7 counterparts.
