LONDON — During a virtual address to global leaders on Monday, Keir Starmer asserted that Russia “does not hold all the cards” in the ongoing war in Ukraine. This statement comes as he prepares for discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump later this week.
The British Prime Minister addressed a summit in Kyiv commemorating three years since the onset of Moscow’s full-scale invasion. He reiterated the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of including Kyiv in peace negotiations.
Unity in negotiations
Starmer countered claims from Trump’s camp suggesting that Russia has the upper hand in potential peace talks due to territorial gains. He stated, “This is a time for unity. In this crucial moment as talks begin, we must work together to shape the outcome.” He highlighted that the courage demonstrated by Ukrainians in defending their nation is a significant factor, especially given the current difficulties faced by the Russian economy and the losses suffered by their military forces.
“Russia does not hold all the cards in this war. Ukrainians have the courage to defend their country because Russia’s economy is in trouble, and because they have lost the benefit of their land forces and their Black Sea Fleet in this pointless invasion.”
Pathway to lasting peace
Starmer emphasized that achieving an “enduring peace” would require increased military support for Ukraine alongside the imposition of sanctions against Russia. On Monday, the U.K. unveiled a new sanctions package targeting individuals closely associated with the Kremlin.
He acknowledged the recent shift in the global dialogue, stating that Trump “has changed the global conversation over the last few weeks, and it has created an opportunity.” However, Starmer insisted that any negotiations must include Ukraine to ensure a lasting peace, a sentiment that both the U.S. and Russia have thus far resisted. The Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Washington on Thursday will focus on securing these crucial discussions with Trump, who has raised concerns by seemingly sidelining Ukraine in discussions about its future, causing unease among key European leaders amidst his public disagreements with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.