Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with Donald Trump regarding the contentious Ukraine peace initiative today, expressing reservations about its current form.
Only a few days were granted by the US President to war-ravaged Ukraine to consider the proposal aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. Nonetheless, the Prime Minister and other global leaders emphasized the necessity for further refinement of the plan, which entails ceding territory and downsizing Kyiv’s military forces.
Subsequently, Starmer conversed with Trump concerning the deliberations held among members of the Coalition of the Willing during the G20 summit. They agreed that their teams would collaborate on refining the peace proposal on Sunday, with plans for further discussions, as conveyed by a Downing Street spokesperson.
Moreover, the PM updated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the ongoing talks and reiterated the UK’s unwavering support. In a collective statement issued by Starmer and other G7 leaders, excluding the US, the importance of maintaining border integrity through peaceful means was underscored.
A Downing Street representative disclosed, “The Prime Minister relayed the deliberations among Coalition of the Willing partners at the G20 summit today to Mr. Trump. The leaders have decided that their teams will commence work on the 28-point US peace plan in Geneva tomorrow.” Trump and Starmer are scheduled to resume discussions on Sunday.
During his address to journalists in Johannesburg earlier in the day, the PM mentioned anticipating further communication with the US President in the near future. Starmer clarified that he had no intentions of visiting Washington DC, emphasizing the urgency of the upcoming talks in Geneva.
High-level discussions are set to take place in Switzerland, where officials from the US and Ukraine, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will participate. The UK’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell will also join the Geneva talks after departing the G20 summit prematurely, alongside counterparts from France and Germany.
The deadline set by Trump for Ukraine to respond to the peace plan is November 27, coinciding with Thanksgiving in the US and marking four years since Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine. The proposed 28-point blueprint to quell Kremlin aggression has raised concerns in Kyiv and European capitals, with Zelenskyy highlighting the dilemma faced by Ukraine in safeguarding its sovereignty while addressing crucial US support needs.
The plan entails Ukraine relinquishing territory to Russia, a proposition firmly rejected by Kyiv, along with downsizing its military strength and halting its pursuit of NATO membership. In a joint statement, Starmer and other European and international leaders commended the US efforts to foster peace in Ukraine, expressing readiness to engage in further refinements to ensure a sustainable peace process. They emphasized the importance of upholding border integrity and voiced reservations about proposed limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces that could leave the nation vulnerable to future threats.
The statement, endorsed by the UK, France, Germany, and several other nations and entities, highlighted the need for collaborative support towards Ukraine and reiterated commitments to coordinate closely with Ukraine and the US in the days ahead.
Former British Army commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon criticized the peace plan, labeling it as “bonkers” and asserting that it rewards Putin for his aggressive actions without benefiting Ukraine. He stressed the extensive work required to refine the plan effectively.
Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously welcomed the US proposal, suggesting it could serve as a foundation for a final peace settlement.
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