UPDATE: British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is currently meeting with key allies at the G20 summit in Johannesburg to urgently discuss a US-drafted peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. The discussions are critical, as Washington has reportedly pressured Kyiv to make significant concessions, including territory compromises and military downsizing.
Starmer’s meetings, which began earlier today, aim to “strengthen” the controversial proposal that has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials. The Prime Minister engaged in a 25-minute dialogue with France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, before broadening the talks to include leaders from other G7 and G20 nations, including Japan, Canada, and the European Union.
In a statement prior to the summit, Starmer emphasized the urgency of these discussions. “Ukraine’s friends and partners will meet in the margins of the G20 summit to discuss how we can secure a full ceasefire and create the space for meaningful peace negotiations,” he declared. He also condemned Russia for its recent military actions, stating, “That is why we must all work together, with both the US and Ukraine, to secure a just and lasting peace once and for all.”
The US peace proposal, comprising 28 points, has been negotiated without direct involvement from Kyiv or European allies. It has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding its demands for Ukraine to make daunting concessions. Starmer reiterated the need for Ukraine to lead its own future, stating, “Ukraine has been ready to negotiate for months, while Russia has stalled and continued its murderous rampage.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously welcomed the US plan, asserting it “could form the basis of a final peace settlement,” but criticized the lack of meaningful discussions with the Russian side. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the current moment as “one of the most difficult” in Ukraine’s history, highlighting the emotional toll on the nation as they grapple with the potential loss of sovereignty.
Starmer’s discussions come as former US President Donald Trump, who is absent from the summit, demanded a response to the peace plan from Ukraine by Thursday. His absence has raised questions about the US’s approach to the ongoing conflict, as he cited widely rejected claims regarding racial persecution in South Africa for his boycott.
As tensions simmer, Starmer is also set to announce a major £4 billion maritime agreement with Indonesia, aimed at enhancing naval capabilities and creating 1,000 jobs in the UK. This announcement underscores the importance of international cooperation in both defense and economic sectors.
The world is watching closely as these discussions unfold, with the potential for significant implications for global security and diplomatic relations. Starmer’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and the necessity for a collaborative approach to peace remains a focal point as leaders gather in Johannesburg.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the outcomes of these discussions could reshape the future of Ukraine and its allies.
