Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with Donald Trump regarding Trump’s contentious peace proposal for Ukraine today. Starmer had previously expressed concerns about the plan, emphasizing the need for further refinement.
The American President set a tight deadline for Ukraine to respond to the agreement aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. However, Starmer, along with other global leaders, highlighted the necessity for improvements to the proposal, which includes conditions such as relinquishing land and downsizing Kyiv’s military forces.
Following the meetings held among the Coalition of the Willing partners at the G20 summit, Starmer and Trump agreed to collaborate on refining the peace initiative on the upcoming Sunday. Additionally, they scheduled further discussions on the matter. The UK Prime Minister also conferred with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today to provide an update on the ongoing negotiations and reiterated the UK’s unwavering support.
In a collective statement issued by Starmer and G7 leaders, excluding the US, they underscored the principle that border changes should not be enforced through coercion. Furthermore, they expressed concerns over the proposed constraints on Ukraine’s armed forces, emphasizing the importance of sustainable peace and international coordination.
The US has mandated Ukraine to respond to the 28-point peace plan by November 27, coinciding with Thanksgiving in the US. The blueprint, aiming to halt Kremlin’s aggression, has raised alarm in Kyiv and European capitals due to its controversial terms. Zelenskyy highlighted the dilemma Ukraine faces in defending its sovereignty while balancing the need for US support.
Starmer and other European and international leaders commended the US’s efforts to facilitate peace in Ukraine while acknowledging the need for further enhancements to the plan. They emphasized the importance of ensuring a just and enduring peace, underscoring their continued backing for Ukraine and commitment to close cooperation with the US.
Moreover, the statement was jointly issued by several countries and entities, including France, Germany, Japan, Canada, Italy, and EU bodies. Former British Army commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon criticized the peace proposal, labeling it as flawed and disadvantageous to Ukraine’s interests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously welcomed the US initiative, suggesting it could serve as a foundation for a final peace settlement. Discussions involving US and Ukrainian officials, along with key representatives from other nations, are set to take place in Switzerland to further deliberate on the peace plan.