Putin can't be allowed to 'play games' over Ukraine ceasefire – Starmer

The Guardian and Ukrinform report this.

As mentioned, on Saturday Starmer will host a meeting of the “coalition of the willing”, which will bring together the leaders of almost 25 countries that have agreed to help keep the peace in Ukraine.

Representatives from the EU, the European Commission, NATO, Canada, Ukraine, Australia and New Zealand are expected to take part in the videoconference and provide updates on the assistance they can offer to ensure the implementation of the peace agreement.

Read also: Starmer and Macron coordinate further steps to peacefully resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict

According to the publication, Starmer will present to leaders details of the plan he is developing with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders discussed the issues on Friday evening ahead of the summit.

“We cannot allow President Putin to manipulate President Trump's agreement,” Starmer said. “The Kremlin's complete disregard for President Trump's ceasefire offer only proves that Putin is not serious about peace.

He added that if Russia finally agrees to talks, “we must be prepared to monitor the ceasefire to ensure that it is a serious and sustainable peace; if it does not, we will have to use all available means to increase economic pressure on Russia to end this war.”

Read also: Zelensky and Macron discuss latest developments, agree on next steps

Starmer stressed that Putin was trying to drag out the process by arguing that a thorough study was needed before a ceasefire could be agreed. “[B]ut the world needs action, not studies or empty words and meaningless conditions,” the British prime minister said.

As reported by Ukrinform, on Tuesday in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) negotiations were held between the delegations of the USA and Ukraine. Following the meeting, the parties adopted a joint statement.

The document states that Ukraine has expressed its readiness to accept the US proposal to immediately introduce a temporary 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the opposing parties, subject to its acceptance and simultaneous implementation by the Russian Federation.

Read also: US intelligence: Putin has not abandoned plans to conquer Ukraine – WP

During the talks, the US announced the resumption of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Putin said Moscow agreed with the proposal to end hostilities in Ukraine, while also setting out its own conditions for achieving that goal.

Photo: Capital Pictures/Alamy