Vladimir Putin has been warned by European leaders that he has 24 hours to accept a 30-day ceasefire or he will face a raft of new sanctions. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called out Putin and claimed to have Donald Trump’s support for the European leaders’ new plan to end the dictator’s deadly war in Ukraine. Starmer met with leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine today in Kyiv for peace talks, discussing new pressure on Moscow to end its deadly and illegal invasion.
The British PM boldly threatened Putin, stating that if he does not sign a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in 24 hours, there will be consequences. Starmer mentioned that spending for Ukraine would increase, and Russia would face more sanctions if the ceasefire fails. The British PM emphasized that European leaders were “calling Putin out” and stressed that there were “no more ifs or buts” when it comes to Putin accepting peace. The leaders hope for a ceasefire to start from Monday, with Starmer stating, “If he’s serious about peace, then he has a chance to show it now.”
Starmer also mentioned that the leaders spoke to Trump before and after their meeting, with the US President reportedly on board with their plan. Starmer continued his strong stance against the Kremlin, stating, “There’s only one country that started this illegal conflict, and that was Russia, and there’s only one country that stands between peace, and that’s Russia.”
Starmer, along with France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Poland’s Donald Tusk, and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, met in Kyiv for crucial peace talks. The newly elected German Chancellor expressed that European leaders would do “everything we can” to ensure peace for Ukraine. Merz added that Trump “fully supports” the European leaders’ strong “initiative.”
Macron emphasized that an unconditional ceasefire was non-negotiable to avoid Moscow’s “tactics to delay peace” and expressed hope that peace would begin on Monday. Tusk argued that current sanctions were working, as “Russia is actively waiting for sanctions to be lifted.” The Polish Prime Minister also mentioned that it was “symbolic” that the decision for a ceasefire was made in Kyiv.
Starmer added that support for Ukraine would not stop that day, as allies had reached a “point of complete unity.” He mentioned that the UK and France would lead work with the so-called coalition of the willing, the nations supporting Ukraine. The British PM stated that this would include military planning and would help build Ukraine’s military to protect itself. He expressed doubt that with a “contingent behind the deal, Putin is likely to breach it” and strike the nation again.
The Kremlin denounced Europe’s “confrontational” attitude towards Russia following the meeting of solidarity. Moscow had previously stated that it would not accept an unconditional ceasefire while foreign nations were supplying and supporting Ukraine.
In conclusion, European leaders have given Putin 24 hours to accept a 30-day ceasefire, with the threat of new sanctions looming. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has taken a strong stance against Putin, emphasizing the need for peace in Ukraine. The leaders are hopeful that a ceasefire will begin on Monday, with the support of the US President and allies. The situation remains tense as the world watches to see how Putin will respond to this ultimatum.
