Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine and determination to find a way forward that brings an end to Russia’s illegal war and guarantees Ukraine a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security.
On Saturday evening, Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron after welcoming Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street.
The calls took place after the Prime Minister insisted Ukraine had “full backing across the United Kingdom” in a No 10 meeting with the country’s president.
Trump's bullying of Zelensky reminds the world that business as usual is over
Read MoreStarmer also told the Ukrainian leader that Britain stands with his nation “for as long as it may take”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves joined the meeting to sign a £2.26bn loan to Ukraine for defence finance, with Ukraine’s finance minister joining on video call.
The loan, previously announced in October, will be repaid from frozen Russian assets, with President Zelensky remarking in a post on social media later: “This is true justice – the one who started the war must be the one to pay.”
Sunday’s summit, which convenes international leaders in London, rounds off a week of intense diplomacy for Starmer, which has seen him raise UK defence spending and travel to Washington for talks with President Trump in support of UK and European security.
The Prime Minister spoke again with both President Trump and President Zelensky on Friday evening following the events at the presidents’ meeting in Washington DC when Trump and Vice President Vance turned on Zelensky in unprecedented scenes.
(Photo credit: Peter Nicholls – WPA Pool/Getty Images)The Prime Minister will welcome Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, to Downing Street on Sunday morning before being joined in central London by the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Romania.
The Turkish Foreign Minister, NATO Secretary General and the presidents of the European Commission and European Council will also attend.
Starmer has been clear that there can be no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine, a determination he reiterated when he warmly welcomed President Zelensky to Downing Street on Saturday evening ahead of the summit.
Discussions at the summit will focus on:
Strengthening Ukraine’s position now – including ongoing military support and increased economic pressure on Russia. The need for a strong lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace in Ukraine and ensures that Ukraine is able to deter and defend against future Russian attack. Next steps on planning for strong security guarantees.Following the announcement earlier this week that the UK will spend 2.5% of its GDP on defence by 2027, the Prime Minister will be clear on the need for Europe to play its part in defence and step up for the good of collective security.
On Saturday, the Liberal Democrats said the Army should be restored to a total of 82,000 troops after a cut by the Conservative government in 2021 reduced its size to 72,500.
They said that the restoration of the Army’s size should be made in step with the commitment to boost defence spending to 2.5% of the UK’s economic output by 2027.
The UK has already been clear it is willing to support Ukraine’s future security with troops on the ground.
Starmer said: “Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point. Today I will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training and aid to Ukraine, putting it in the strongest possible position.
“In partnership with our allies, we must intensify our preparations for the European element of security guarantees alongside continued discussions with the United States.
“We have an opportunity to come together to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that secures their sovereignty and security. “Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our collective future.”
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