London (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – UK PM Keir Starmer said that there can be no discussions about the future of Ukraine without the participation of Kyiv.
Nobody wants the bloodshed to continue. Nobody, least of all the Ukrainians,
he briefed the Scottish Labour Party conference in Glasgow.
But after everything that they have suffered, after everything that they have fought for, there could be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine, and the people of Ukraine must have a long-term secure future.
Starmer stated that the need to strengthen solidarity with Ukraine is not only morally right but is also in the UK’s national interest.
Instability in Europe always washes up on our shores, and this is a generational moment,
he expressed.
Starmer expressed he backed the U.S. and urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its security and that the UK would take a leading part.
We have to be ready to play our role if a force is required in Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached, and we have to be ready to reshape our economy with industrial policy, to stand up for Ukraine, to stand up for Europe, but most of all to stand up for our security.
PM Starmer visits the US in the footsteps of French President Emmanuel Macron, who will have a meeting with Trump exactly three years after Russia attacked Ukraine. Both leaders are expected to persuade Trump not to rush to a ceasefire agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin without delay, keep Europe engaged in the process and examine military guarantees to Ukraine.
What did Trump say about Macron and Starmer’s efforts?
Two days earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that French President Emmanuel Macron and UK PM Keir Starmer “haven’t done anything” to conclude the war in Ukraine.
Talking to Fox News, Trump also stated that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has “no cards” in peace negotiations, adding: “I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings.”
Trump, in his Fox interview, stated Russia and Ukraine would not want to start peace discussions without his own personal involvement.
He also continued to condemn Zelensky, saying: “I’ve been watching this man for years now as his cities get demolished, as his people get killed, as his soldiers get decimated.” Despite his objection to Macron and Starmer, Trump also applauded the European leaders. He stated he considers Macron to be a “friend” and referred to Starmer as “a very nice guy”.
