UK Prime Minister Backs Ukrainian Sovereignty in Critical Peace Talks
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed strong support for Ukraine's right to determine its own future following a crucial telephone discussion with President Volodymyr Zelensky concerning a US-backed peace proposal. The conversation occurred as Ukraine faces intense pressure to accept a controversial 28-point plan that would require significant concessions to Russia by Thursday.
The Contentious Peace Proposal
The proposed agreement, reportedly negotiated between Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin representative Kirill Dmitriev, contains provisions that have caused significant concern in Kyiv. The plan would force Ukraine to surrender additional territory, reduce its military capacity by half, and conduct elections within 100 days. Furthermore, it would permanently block Ukraine from joining NATO and require the West to lift sanctions against Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged receiving the proposal and cautiously endorsed it, stating it "could form the basis of a final peace settlement" while noting Moscow hadn't been substantially consulted. The Trump administration has reportedly threatened to withdraw intelligence and military support if Ukraine rejects the framework.
International Coordination and Stance
During the call with Zelensky, Sir Keir coordinated with French and German leaders to emphasise what Downing Street described as the "fundamental principle" that Kyiv must control its own destiny. A spokesperson confirmed that while the leaders supported President Trump's peace efforts, any solution must preserve Ukrainian sovereignty and ensure future security.
The Prime Minister, speaking from South Africa where he intends to build support for Ukraine at the G20 summit, told reporters: "My position has always been focused on a just and lasting peace. That's why we have done so much work on the Coalition of the Willing. But that is premised on the principle underpinning that, which is central to me, which is that the future of Ukraine must be determined by Ukraine."
Ukrainian Response and Mounting Pressure
President Zelensky addressed the nation in a sober video message, describing the current moment as "one of the most difficult in our history" and acknowledging the immense pressure on his government. He pledged to work with the United States on the proposal but indicated he would present alternatives, vowing not to betray Ukrainian interests.
Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov reinforced this position, stating unequivocally that Ukraine would not accept any agreement violating its "red lines" regarding sovereignty and security. The proposal comes at a particularly challenging time for Ukraine, with Russian forces advancing on the battlefield and a domestic corruption scandal affecting the energy sector.
European officials expressed concern about being excluded from the negotiation process, with one official noting that a disadvantageous agreement for Ukraine would threaten broader European security. The proposal is expected to be discussed among world leaders at the G20 summit in Johannesburg as the Thursday deadline approaches.
