UK Urges Russia to Compromise for Peace in Ukraine
Britain has issued a stark warning to Russia, emphasizing that it must show willingness to compromise in the ongoing peace negotiations with Ukraine. Failure to do so could result in further casualties among Russian soldiers as the conflict drags on. Amid concerns that President Vladimir Putin might obstruct a proposed 30-day ceasefire, which was agreed upon by Kyiv and Washington on Tuesday, Downing Street has stressed that there is no alternative plan aside from the continuation of hostilities.
In a move to bolster international support, Labour leader Keir Starmer is preparing to convene a second UK summit via telephone this Saturday. This gathering aims to unite the nations involved in the coalition of the willing, with the intention of establishing a multinational peacekeeping force that could play a pivotal role in the negotiations. Speaking alongside European defense ministers in Paris, Defense Secretary John Healey remarked that the world is entering “decisive days in the push for peace,” noting that efforts to assemble the coalition are “accelerating.”
European defense chiefs are scheduled to hold further discussions in the UK next week, aiming to solidify a peacekeeping force for Ukraine. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that 15 countries participating in the coalition are prepared to contribute to the “security architecture” in Ukraine, contingent on the terms of a peace agreement. So far, the UK and France—both members of NATO—have confirmed their commitment to providing troops for this peacekeeping mission, with the possibility that additional nations may join in the coming week. Other countries are also expected to offer equipment and logistical support.
The i Paper has learned that if Moscow agrees to the 30-day interim ceasefire, which is currently being presented by officials from Donald Trump’s administration in the Russian capital, it will be implemented promptly to allow for negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting post-war settlement. It is anticipated that the peacekeeping troops, pending agreement from all parties, would be deployed prior to the initiation of a permanent ceasefire.
Starmer Considers Trip to the White House with Zelensky
Meanwhile, diplomats are deliberating the possibility of Starmer accompanying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House for the signing of any forthcoming peace agreement or minerals deal. While such a trip could solidify Starmer’s association with the success of the diplomatic efforts, there are concerns that it may lead to a repeat of last month’s diplomatic tensions in the Oval Office—an association the UK Prime Minister would prefer to avoid. Observers have noted that after the success of Starmer’s initial trip to Washington, there is hesitance to risk a less favorable outcome.
French President Emmanuel Macron had suggested last week that both he and Starmer should make the trip; however, Downing Street played down the likelihood. A No 10 insider conveyed that the Prime Minister’s focus this week has been squarely on securing the deal rather than planning any trips. A significant point of contention is expected to be the composition of any peacekeeping force, should a permanent peace agreement be reached.
In an interview published on Wednesday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Moscow will not accept any compromises that could endanger lives. He maintained Russia’s firm stance against the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine as a condition for any permanent peace settlement. When asked about a Plan B in the event that Russia refuses to yield, Starmer’s spokesperson stated: “There’s a war that Russia has instigated in Ukraine, and we’ve been supporting Ukraine for the past three years in their defense against Russian aggression. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary to bring an end to this conflict. The recent agreement on a ceasefire between the Americans and Ukrainians is encouraging, but now the responsibility lies with Russia.”
Following discussions with defense ministers from France, Germany, Poland, and Italy in Paris, Healey emphasized, “These are decisive days in the push for peace in Ukraine. The Ukrainians desire peace, and we all share that aspiration. I say to President Putin, ‘The ball is in your court.’ Make no mistake—the pressure is on Putin.”
As discussions continue, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cautioned Zelensky’s team to prepare for negotiations concerning territorial issues. However, Kyiv has stated firmly that it will not concede any land seized by Russia since the onset of the conflict. Additionally, Whitehall officials have acknowledged that Trump appears serious about his proposal for a US “backstop,” which would involve economic interests in a minerals deal in Ukraine—a concept first introduced to Starmer during their meeting in the White House last month. Although the Prime Minister remains steadfast in his request for enhanced security guarantees, potentially including US air support for peacekeeping troops, the minerals deal remains a serious consideration.
