Political reporter
Ukraine correspondent
PA Media
US President Donald Trump has significantly “altered the global dialogue” regarding Ukraine,
declared Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Sir Keir contended that Trump had “opened a door” to halt the conflict, during a speech at an
international summit focused on backing Ukraine in Kyiv.
The Prime Minister also seemed to oppose President Trump, stating that “Russia does not possess all
the power in this conflict”.
Sir Keir proclaimed that the West must “raise the pressure even further” on Russia and
announced a new wave of UK sanctions targeting the country.
The Prime Minister indicated that additional sanctions might compel President Vladimir
Putin to “a stage where he is not just prepared to talk, but to yield”.
On Monday, the UK government revealed it had enacted over 100 new sanctions against
individuals assisting the invasion, including firms in China, which is the primary supplier of essential goods to
Russia’s military.
In conjunction, the Home Office announced an expansion of travel sanctions for
elites associated with the Kremlin.
The government referred to this announcement, which also includes actions against North Korean generals
alleged to have dispatched troops to combat in Ukraine for Russia, as the UK’s most extensive sanctions package
since the early stages of the invasion.
Sir Keir advocated that the G7 nations “should be prepared to assume greater risks” and take on a
more substantial role in targeting Russian oil corporations, in anticipation of a dialogue with the leaders of the group of affluent countries.
This speech precedes Sir Keir’s upcoming meeting with President Trump at the White House on
Thursday.
He is likely to address the significance of Ukraine’s sovereignty, US security assurances,
and European participation in peace negotiations in discussions with Trump.
This high-stakes visit takes place as European leaders rush to present their own strategies
for resolving the conflict and containing Russia.
President Trump has been advocating for a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine, whereas US
and Russia have conducted initial discussions that excluded both Ukraine and European nations.
Trump asserts that he believes Russia holds “the advantage” in any negotiations aimed at ending
the conflict due to its military presence having “gained considerable territory”.
Tensions have surfaced diplomatically since President Trump labeled Volodymyr Zelensky a
“dictator without elections” last week.
Ukraine’s elections remain suspended under martial law, which has been in effect since Russia’s
full-scale invasion commenced in February 2022.
The Prime Minister discussed the additional sanctions as one method to “achieve a lasting peace” in
Ukraine.
He identified two other approaches as enhancing the UK’s military support to Ukraine and uniting
“our collective strengths in the peace process”.
“President Trump has transformed the global dialogue in recent weeks,” Sir Keir stated.
“And it has presented an opportunity. Now, we must address the core issues correctly.”
He emphasized that Ukraine “must be included in the discussions” regarding peace and that “a US
commitment will be crucial to dissuade Russia from further aggression”.
Sir Keir concluded his address by recalling a statement made by a patient at a burns unit he visited
in Kyiv.
“If Ukraine fails, Europe will be next. This is what is at stake.”
Sir Keir has held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is meeting Trump
in Washington on Monday.
During their Sunday call, Sir Keir and Macron “shared insights” on the best approach to engage
President Trump, according to government sources who spoke with the BBC.
British officials indicated that the Prime Minister is eager for European military powers to deliver
a cohesive proposal to the US president, addressing economic matters, including tariffs.
Earlier, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged President Zelensky to secure Ukraine’s future
by forming a minerals agreement with the US.
Johnson expressed optimism that Ukraine would finalize a “promising” arrangement granting the US
access to valuable minerals in exchange for security guarantees.
Zelensky had turned down a £400bn ($500bn) request for mineral resources, but officials in the US
indicated they expect a deal to be finalized this week.
On Sunday, President Zelensky mentioned signs of progress in talks yet dismissed any agreements that would
impose burdens “for generations of Ukrainians”.
In a message on X on Monday, Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic
Integration, reported that the Ukrainian and US teams were “in the concluding phases of discussions regarding the minerals pact”.
Ukraine possesses vast reserves of critical elements and minerals estimated to be worth billions, including
lithium, titanium, as well as considerable quantities of coal, gas, oil, and uranium.
In an interview with the BBC, Johnson, a close ally of Zelensky who served as Prime Minister at the onset of
the invasion, labeled claims from some Americans suggesting Ukraine initiated the war as “a total distortion of facts”.
He characterized Trump’s remarks as “Orwellian” and likened them to blaming the US for Japan’s attack on Pearl
Harbor during World War Two.
Nevertheless, Johnson emphasized the importance of concentrating on a minerals deal, which he dubbed “the
substantial prize”.
He refuted claims that the agreement is a “rip-off”, stating “what the Ukrainians secure from this is a commitment
from the United States under Donald Trump for a free, independent, and secure Ukraine”.
“I remain hopeful and convinced that today or this week, that agreement will be ratified,” Johnson stated.
Additional reporting by Joe Pike, political correspondent
