UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday urged global leaders to “keep the pressure” on Russian President Vladimir Putin to back a ceasefire in Ukraine, stressing that the Russian president will “sooner or later” have to “come to the table.”
The call is expected to delve into how countries can help Ukraine militarily and financially as well as gauge support for any future possible peacekeeping mission.
Starmer was addressing a virtual gathering of what he has termed the “coalition of the willing,” as Europe seeks to support Ukraine and prevent it from making an unconditional surrender against Russia.
Starmer convened the second meeting of global leaders on Saturday to discuss the developments regarding the war in Ukraine, following another frantic week of diplomacy aimed at getting Russia to back a 30-day ceasefire.
Unlike the first summit on March 2, the meeting of what Starmer has termed the “coalition of the willing” was conducted virtually.
Representatives from around 25 countries participate in virtual gathering
Around 25 countries participated in the call, including European partners and Ukraine. Leaders from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ukraine, as well as officials from NATO and the European Union's executive, are also set to take part.
Saturday's meeting takes place in the wake of a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, which Zelenskyy has backed. Starmer has advocated that Europe must be ready to monitor a ceasefire to ensure it is a serious and enduring peace.
Starmer, Macron take the lead in assembling a coalition
Starmer has taken the lead, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, in assembling the “coalition of the willing” in part to persuade Trump to maintain support for Kyiv.
One outcome has already been a growing acceptance from European countries in particular that they need to do more secure their own security, including by increasing their defense spending.
(With inputs from AP)
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