Starmer Urges Coalition to Increase Support for Ukraine Amid…

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticizes Russia’s delay tactics in ceasefire talks, urging international leaders to enhance support for Ukraine. A virtual meeting will address commitments from countries regarding peacekeeping strategies and economic pressure on Moscow, while calls for a 30-day ceasefire intensify. President Zelensky accuses Russia of utilizing delays for battlefield advantages. Meanwhile, the EU prepares a significant military aid package for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has accused Vladimir Putin of hindering peace negotiations by delaying a ceasefire agreement. He will convene a virtual meeting with 25 leaders from the EU, NATO, and additional nations, seeking concrete commitments to support Ukraine in response to Russia’s tactics. Starmer criticized Putin for being insincere regarding peace and disregarding Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal.

At this gathering, Starmer will call upon the “coalition of the willing,” the nations involved in a future peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, to intensify economic pressure on Russia to encourage negotiations. Meanwhile, Putin claims he supports a ceasefire, but only under his terms. There are also discussions of upcoming phone talks between US President Biden and Putin, following Trump’s envoy’s visit to Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of prolonging ceasefire talks to gain advantages on the battlefield, coinciding with missile strikes that affected his hometown. Assertively, Starmer stated, “We can’t allow President Putin to play games with President Trump’s deal,” emphasizing that the world requires actionable solutions, rather than just discussions.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Starmer’s sentiments, urging acceptance of a 30-day ceasefire proposal. The Saturday meeting will involve leaders from approximately 25 entities, who will clarify their contributions to the coalition ahead of military planning discussions scheduled for next week.

Military leaders, including Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, will deliberate on potential security arrangements and how to effectively monitor any ceasefire initiatives. In a prior speech, Zelensky contended that the claims of encircled Ukrainian troops were fabrications meant for political leverage.

Amid escalating tensions, Putin reiterated his offer for surrender to encircled troops with guarantees under international law, yet his deputy threatened consequences for those who refuse. The Ukrainian military rejected claims of their forces being surrounded, labelling these reports as misleading.

Sir Keir’s upcoming address will commend European collaborative efforts while emphasizing the need for increased economic pressure on Russia, alongside military aid for Ukraine in both immediate and lasting terms. This meeting follows a recent summit that discussed security guarantees to be presented to Mr. Trump for approval.

Lastly, the EU is reportedly planning a substantial €20 billion weapons package for Ukraine, aimed at supplying a range of military equipment necessary for their defense against ongoing Russian attacks.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is taking a firm stance against Putin, articulating the need for immediate and effective measures to reinstate negotiations for a ceasefire. The upcoming coalition meeting is pivotal for galvanizing international support for Ukraine amidst escalating tensions. Collectively, these efforts signal a strong commitment to maintaining pressure on Moscow while preparing for longer-term peacekeeping initiatives.

Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk