Political correspondent
News correspondent
Reuters
During a recent phone call with Ukraine’s president, Sir Keir Starmer expressed that he will discuss the significance of Ukraine’s sovereignty in his upcoming talks with Donald Trump.
The UK Prime Minister reaffirmed the country’s “ironclad support” for Kyiv during his conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday.
This marked the second dialogue between the two leaders in just four days, consequent to US President Trump’s move to rekindle relations with Russia and seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Approximately 2,000 demonstrators gathered outside the Russian embassy in west London to mark three years since Vladimir Putin’s comprehensive invasion.
A spokesperson from Downing Street mentioned that the Prime Minister also stated, “Ukraine must be central to any negotiations aimed at concluding the conflict,” emphasizing the UK’s determination to ensure a fair and lasting peace to put an end to Russia’s unlawful aggression.
Further elaborating on the call’s details, Downing Street revealed that Sir Keir and Zelensky “acknowledged that this moment is pivotal for the future of Ukraine and broader European security.”
Sir Keir also conveyed to Zelensky that protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty is crucial to preventing future hostilities from Russia.
He mentioned, “I will advance these crucial discussions over the next days and weeks, including with Trump during my visit to Washington DC next week.”
Zelensky described his conversation with Sir Keir as fruitful, highlighting their coordination on “military collaboration, joint initiatives, and engagements for a forthcoming active week.”
He expressed on X, “The UK and its people are among the foremost supporters of Ukraine, and we truly appreciate this.”
Separately, on Saturday, Sir Keir spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and they concurred that Europe “must enhance efforts for the benefit of collective European security,” according to Downing Street.
Sir Keir’s upcoming meeting with Trump on Thursday follows a week filled with various summits and calls, as European leaders sought clarity on how to approach the US president’s unexpected spring in relations with Russia.
Prior to visits to the White House by both Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump remarked that the pair “haven’t done anything” to halt the conflict in Ukraine.
He further claimed that Zelensky possessed “no cards” in peace talks and expressed doubt about his significance in negotiations.
On Monday, a hastily convened summit was held in Paris by European leaders one day before US-Russia discussions in Saudi Arabia, as concerns mounted about Ukraine and Europe possibly being sidelined in peace discussions.
On Tuesday, Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” and stated he should “never have started” the conflict, despite Russia’s aggression.
Zelensky countered by saying the US president was “immersed in a world of disinformation” propagated by Russia.
PA Media
PA Media
Reuters
On Saturday, demonstrators filled the streets of London in protest against the US’s stance on Ukraine, marching from the Ukrainian embassy to the Russian embassy.
Margaret Owen, aged 93, accused Trump of “appeasement,” recalling the Munich Agreement, through which western powers made concessions to Hitler prior to World War II.
“It’s outrageous. We cannot permit these two unpredictable leaders to dictate global affairs,” she remarked regarding Trump and Putin.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, joined the march, advocating for a more diplomatic approach. The Labour MP stated, “We seek to influence the US president, and we all agree that peace is essential. Shouting at him is not the solution.”
“You may experience a fleeting thrill from yelling at Trump, but influencing him requires a different approach,” she added.
“It is vital for Ukraine to be included in the discussions; decisions regarding its fate cannot be made without its presence, and capitulation to Putin is not acceptable.”
“Americans and Russians must extend an invitation to Ukraine to participate in this process.”
Ukrainian Oleksandra Udovenko, a Kyiv resident studying in the UK, stated, “I am here to defend my nation’s interests, independence, and right to be free from any global power.”
