Keir Starmer emphasized the need for allies to compel Vladimir Putin to engage in meaningful peace negotiations, as he believes the Russian leader is not genuinely interested in peace talks.
During discussions with over 20 allies in London, the Prime Minister outlined plans for the Coalition of the Willing countries to intensify pressure on Russia by imposing economic sanctions and providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry.
Mr. Starmer called for immediate measures to release frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defense efforts, stating that Russia should bear the financial responsibility for the destruction caused in Ukraine.
He also highlighted the importance of enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and supplying long-range missiles to enable strikes deep into Russia as a means of sustaining pressure on Moscow.
Standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr. Starmer criticized Putin’s recent actions, underscoring the Russian leader’s lack of sincerity towards achieving peace.
President Zelensky condemned Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, warning of the country’s intentions to inflict suffering during the harsh winter months.
Expressing the urgent need for long-range missiles, the Ukrainian leader urged for all possible options to be exhausted to compel Russia to end the conflict and restore peace in the region.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted the dwindling resources and escalating casualties among Russian troops, suggesting that Putin’s strategies were proving costly and ineffective.
Various leaders, including Danish PM Mette Frederiksen and Dutch PM Dick Schoof, called for decisive actions such as utilizing frozen Russian assets and addressing illicit oil exports to curtail funding for the ongoing conflict.