Ukraine's allies agree to increase economic pressure on Russia – Starmer

This was voiced in Starmer's comments to the press at a press conference in London following a virtual meeting of the coalition of the willing, as reported by Ukrinform, citing Bloomberg.

“The impact of sanctions on the Russian economy has been very significant. We must not underestimate the impact they have already had, and increasing and tightening sanctions will create even more pressure,” Starmer said.

He added that Western countries were strengthening their political and military capabilities, and after allies made additional commitments to support Ukraine after the war ended, they would move to a “rational phase” of providing security guarantees.

Read also: Defence officials to meet in UK to discuss peace deal plans – Starmer

At this stage, it is vital that Ukraine's partners put maximum pressure on Russia, Starmer said, reproaching Putin for dragging out the ceasefire process and stressing that Russia must consider the proposals and put forward its own conditions.

Starmer said the virtual meeting on Saturday included discussions on seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defence needs, although he again noted the political and legal obstacles to such a move.

Panamanian Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamys said European countries and their allies are very interested in achieving peace and that they are now more optimistic than they were two weeks ago.

Everyone is determined to put pressure on Russia, he noted during an online meeting.

The ball is in Russia's court, he added, stressing that Russia must now demonstrate its true intentions: whether they are truly seeking peace or are simply making empty words to drag out the negotiations.

Read also: UK to continue sharing intelligence with Ukraine – The Guardian

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told journalists that all participating countries have expressed their readiness to contribute to the peace process, but it is too early to talk about practical assistance in the peacekeeping mission.

The leaders intend to present their proposals to Donald Trump soon, whom they want to convince of the need for American security guarantees in the form of air support, intelligence and border monitoring – without the need to deploy American troops as part of a peacekeeping force.

As reported by Ukrinform, 29 leaders participated in the online meeting of the so-called coalition of those wishing to support Ukraine's defense capability, which took place on March 15 in the format of a video conference.

After the meeting, Keir Starmer said defence officials would meet in the UK next week to develop concrete plans to support a future peace deal. He also said the plans would need to include cooperation with the US.

Photo: Bloomberg