Starmer to host virtual meeting of ‘coalition of the willing’ – and demand ‘concrete commitments’ on Ukraine

Virtual Summit on Ukraine Peacekeeping: A Global Call to Action

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is set to host a virtual meeting of world leaders on Saturday to discuss the ongoing efforts to establish peace in Ukraine. This summit, attended by around 25 global leaders, will focus on consolidating a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine through military aid, economic pressure on Russia, and preparations for a potential peace deal. The meeting is a critical step in coordinating international efforts to bring an end to the war, with participants expected to include representatives from European countries, the EU Commission, NATO, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ukraine itself. Downing Street has emphasized the need for "concrete commitments" from allies, signaling that the time for rhetoric is over, and actionable steps are now required.

Starmer’s Call for Military and Economic Action

In the run-up to the summit, Sir Keir Starmer has been clear about the dual focus of the meeting. He will urge participants to significantly ramp up military support for Ukraine, ensuring the country has the resources it needs to defend itself. Additionally, he will call for increased economic pressure on Russia in the short term to weaken its ability to sustain the war effort. Looking ahead, Starmer will also emphasize the importance of being prepared to support a long-term peace deal, should an agreement be reached. This comprehensive approach reflects the UK’s commitment to both immediate and sustainable solutions to the conflict.

Ukraine Update and Global Coordination

The virtual meeting will also provide an opportunity for leaders to receive an update on the latest discussions among defence ministers and military chiefs, who convened in Paris earlier in the week. These discussions have centered on unlocking further military support for Ukraine, with each country expected to outline its contributions to the effort. The summit will serve as a platform for transparency and accountability, ensuring that all nations are pulling their weight in the collective effort to support Ukraine. This level of coordination underscores the gravity of the situation and the shared responsibility of the international community.

Starmer Condemns Russia’s Delay Tactics

In a strong statement ahead of the summit, Sir Keir Starmer accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of employing delay tactics. He criticized Putin’s insistence on a "painstaking study" before considering a ceasefire, labeling it a ploy to avoid meaningful action. Starmer asserted that the world needs to see decisive steps, not empty words or unnecessary conditions. He called on Putin to immediately halt the barbaric attacks on Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire, warning that the international community will continue to work tirelessly to secure peace until Russia complies. Starmer also reiterated the UK’s willingness to contribute peacekeeping forces to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, provided a security "backstop" is offered by the United States.

Russia and Ukraine’s Divergent Views on Ceasefire

The summit takes place against a backdrop of contrasting positions on the possibility of a ceasefire. Ukraine has backed a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, while Russia has expressed skepticism, citing "lots of questions" about the proposal. Putin has demanded that any ceasefire must lead to a "long-term peace" that addresses the "initial reasons for the crisis." Moscow has reportedly presented a list of demands, including international recognition of Russia’s claims to Crimea and four Ukrainian provinces, as well as a commitment not to deploy foreign troops in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Putin’s remarks as "very predictable" and "very manipulative," accusing the Russian leader of preparing to reject the ceasefire proposal.

A Turning Point for Global Security

The virtual summit represents a pivotal moment in the international community’s response to the Ukraine crisis. Sir Keir Starmer’s call for concrete commitments reflects a growing impatience with Russia’s obstinacy and a recognition that the conflict’s resolution will require sustained and coordinated effort. The meeting also highlights the UK’s leadership role in galvanizing global action, urging allies to move beyond words and take decisive steps to support Ukraine. As the world watches, the success of this summit will depend on the willingness of participating nations to commit to both immediate and long-term measures to secure peace and stability in the region. The stakes could not be higher, and the coming days will reveal whether the international community is capable of rising to the challenge.