Kyiv Ceasefire Talks: A “Significant Moment” in Conflict Resolution, Says Starmer

KIEVE— UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the outcome of talks between Ukraine’s allies as a “significant moment” in the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in the conflict with Russia. However, he cautioned that this development is not “the end of the process.”

Speaking to the BBC following a virtual meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” which included leaders from around 30 nations, Starmer noted the unprecedented unity among the allies. He stated, “We haven’t seen unity like this pretty well throughout the conflict.” The coalition has called for Russia to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, threatening “massive” sanctions should it fail to comply.

Starmer highlighted the broader context of global unrest, referencing conflicts such as the hostilities between India and Pakistan. “We are living in a more uncertain world that requires leadership stepping up,” he remarked.

The meeting, hosted by Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky, included French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Other coalition members, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, participated remotely.

After the meeting, Starmer spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly reaffirmed his support for the ceasefire. Trump emphasized that this demand “must be met,” despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s prior rejection of a similar proposal in March.

The coalition leaders issued a warning that “new and massive” sanctions would target Russia’s energy and banking sectors if Putin does not agree to the ceasefire, which aims to halt hostilities “in the air, at sea, and on land.” Starmer noted that “material progress” had been made, stating, “We’ve been able to collectively get to a much better position and a more unified position today that holds out a better prospect of a ceasefire.”

Despite this progress, Starmer acknowledged that the situation remains complex. The Kremlin responded to the ceasefire proposal by accusing European leaders of making “contradictory” and “generally confrontational” remarks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted that Ukraine’s allies must cease arms supplies before any ceasefire can occur, a demand that European leaders have rejected.

“ President Putin, proposed resuming direct talks with Ukraine, offering to start the discussions in Istanbul on May 15 without preconditions.

This announcement follows a unilateral ceasefire Moscow declared to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, which failed to take effect amid ongoing hostilities. The Russian Defense Ministry reported 9,318 ceasefire violations by Ukrainian forces between May 8 and 11, complicating the prospects for dialogue.

Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed Kyiv’s readiness for a ceasefire from May 12, contingent upon the withdrawal of Russian troops—a demand Moscow considers unacceptable. Meanwhile, Western allies are preparing a 17th package of sanctions against Russia, including potential measures targeting the energy and banking sectors, should Moscow refuse to agree to a ceasefire.

The meeting in Kyiv was a symbolic show of solidarity for Ukraine, occurring just one day after over 20 world leaders attended a military parade in Moscow commemorating Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Starmer pointed out the importance of being in Kyiv on such a significant day, stating, “It was crucial to demonstrate that the values fought for 80 years ago are the same values now.”

Starmer acknowledged the uncertainty of the current global landscape but stressed the necessity of focusing on actionable steps to support Ukraine and prepare for future challenges. The “coalition of the willing,” established by the UK and France, aims to reinforce any eventual peace deal with security guarantees.