Prime Minister Keir Starmer has held a detailed phone call with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, condemning recent Russian strikes and coordinating strategy just hours before Zelensky's pivotal face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump.
High-Stakes Diplomacy Ahead of Mar-a-Lago Summit
The conversation between the British and Ukrainian leaders took place on Sunday, 28 December 2025, as President Zelensky flew into Florida for the crucial summit. The meeting with President Trump is scheduled for Sunday evening at the Mar-a-Lago resort, where the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine is expected to be the central topic.
In a post on X following the call, President Zelensky stated he had started his morning in Florida with the "detailed phone call" with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He thanked Starmer for "constant coordination" and confirmed they discussed preparations for the Trump meeting, contacts with European partners, and the frontline situation.
Condemnation of Russian Aggression and UK's Unwavering Support
A Downing Street spokesman confirmed the Prime Minister reaffirmed the United Kingdom's unwavering support for Ukraine and its commitment to a just and lasting peace. Both leaders condemned Russia's brutal and illegal invasion, with particular focus on the recent attack on Kyiv.
The spokesman added that both leaders welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts and commended President Trump's continued engagement in securing peace. They agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days.
This coordination comes as part of Starmer's efforts with European allies to form a "Coalition of the Willing," a group of nations that has vowed to police any future peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv.
Mounting Pressure Amidst Relentless Attacks
The diplomatic push occurs against a backdrop of continued violence. President Zelensky revealed that in the Christmas week alone, Russian forces launched over 2,100 attack drones, around 800 guided aerial bombs, and 94 missiles, primarily targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and people.
Overnight on Saturday, 27 December, missiles and drones struck Kyiv, killing at least one person and injuring 28, while cutting power to thousands of buildings. Zelensky urged allies to maintain pressure on Putin's Russia to "feel the consequences of their own aggression."
In a significant prelude to the Florida talks, President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he had held a "very productive telephone call" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Kyiv and its "European curators" of not being ready for constructive talks, claiming Europe was preparing to fight Russia "on the battlefield."
The Path to a Potential Peace Deal
The high-level meeting between Trump and Zelensky, their first since October, is expected to discuss a 20-point proposal to end the bloody conflict. Zelensky has previously indicated a peace plan is "about 90% ready" and will cover an "economic agreement" and sensitive "territorial issues."
A key element of the draft plan reportedly includes a US commitment to provide security guarantees mirroring NATO's Article 5, meaning an attack on Ukraine would trigger a collective military response from the US and its allies. However, critical details, particularly regarding territorial concessions, remain to be finalised, making the upcoming discussions at Mar-a-Lago decisive for the future of Ukraine.
