Sir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky see a “viable” chance for a Ukraine ceasefire, but Vladimir Putin must demonstrate seriousness about peace, according to Downing Street. The UK Prime Minister’s breakfast meeting with the Ukrainian President occurred before the US President Donald Trump and Putin’s summit in Alaska on Friday to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict. No 10 stated Starmer and Zelensky found a “powerful sense of unity and a strong resolve for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine” during their meeting. Zelensky and other European leaders, excluded from the Alaska meeting, held a joint call with Trump on Wednesday to reiterate their stance.
A red carpet greeted Zelensky at No 10, with photos of his walk through Downing Street’s rose garden with the PM as a show of UK support, 24 hours before the Alaska summit. Both leaders remained silent to the reporters, maintaining diplomatic restraint. Instead of leaving Number 10 alone, Starmer walked with Zelensky, offering a hug and handshake, symbolizing unity. Recently, the prime minister has avoided substantial media commentary, relying on official statements to prevent any semblance of division with the US. The main strategy has been ensuring Trump’s support, ensuring Europe’s and Ukraine’s voices resonate when he meets Putin.
Following his departure, Zelensky thanked Starmer on social media for his support in what he termed a “good, productive meeting.” He mentioned detailed discussions on security guarantees necessary for durable peace, should the US pressurize Russia for genuine diplomatic engagement. The meeting also covered weapons partnerships, drone production investment, and the UK-Ukraine “One Hundred Year Partnership” Agreement, set for imminent ratification. Downing Street stated the meeting provided “a viable chance to make progress,” contingent on Putin proving his peace commitment.
In Russia, Putin expressed support for Trump’s efforts to resolve the Ukraine war. He noted US intent to “halt the crisis and reach beneficial agreements for all conflict parties,” aiming for long-term peace conditions globally if agreements on strategic arms control follow. The Kremlin announced a joint Trump-Putin press conference after their meeting on Friday.
Last week, Trump suggested potential “territory swaps,” raising fears that Ukraine might yield areas to end the conflict. Moscow seeks to maintain control over seized regions, including Crimea, while Ukraine deems ceding territory unacceptable. Russia also desires Ukraine’s NATO exclusion and troop size limits.
Addressing a virtual meeting after the Trump call, Starmer emphasized the need for security guarantees for a lasting ceasefire, noting credible military plans for such an event. He highlighted the coalition’s readiness to heighten economic pressure on Russia, including increased sanctions, acknowledging Trump’s contributions. Sir Alex Younger, former MI6 head, told BBC Radio 4’s Today: “Trump is pivotal, but Putin is manipulating him.” He criticized US-Russia bilateral reset strategies as unrealistic, not recognizing Putin’s “total subjugation” goal for Ukraine.