UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of undermining efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning that the Kremlin is not genuinely interested in peace.
Starmer’s comments follow Putin’s remarks expressing “serious questions” over a 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump’s administration.
“We can’t allow President Putin to play games with President Trump’s deal,” Starmer said in a statement from Downing Street on Friday.
“The Kremlin’s complete disregard for President Trump’s ceasefire proposal only serves to demonstrate that Putin is not serious about peace.”
Push for a ‘Coalition of the Willing’
Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, has been pushing for a “coalition of the willing” to ensure Ukraine’s security and prevent further aggression from Russia. The two leaders argue that such a coalition—along with US backing—is necessary to enforce any ceasefire agreement.
The UK prime minister is set to seek commitments from European and NATO allies during a virtual summit on Saturday morning, where leaders will discuss how to support Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities.
Both Starmer and Macron have signaled readiness to deploy British and French troops to Ukraine as part of a deterrent force, though it remains unclear whether other nations will follow suit.
Turkey has hinted at playing a role in peacekeeping efforts, while Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin has ruled out sending Irish troops to any potential force.
