Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed his profound horror after witnessing images of a teenage Ukrainian girl, the same age as his own daughter, being rescued from the rubble of a bombed building.
The Labour leader made an emotional address to the House of Commons, revealing the stark personal contrast between celebrating his daughter's 15th birthday and seeing the devastation faced by a family in Ukraine.
A Personal Moment of Horror
Mr Starmer told MPs that the harrowing news footage showed the girl being pulled from the wreckage where her mother had just been killed. He described the ongoing assaults by Vladimir Putin's forces as 'abhorrent' and 'beyond belief'.
The Prime Minister's powerful statement underscores the human cost of the conflict, drawing a direct parallel between the safety of his own family and the peril faced by civilians in the war-torn nation.
Urgent Push for Peace and Security
Following his personal reflections, the PM outlined the UK's diplomatic efforts. He confirmed that later today he will hold crucial discussions with 36 members of the 'coalition of the willing', a group of nations dedicated to securing a lasting peace for Ukraine.
Mr Starmer disclosed he has recently held detailed talks with both US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. He welcomed American efforts to end the war, stating that while an initial 28-point peace plan had some unacceptable elements, it also contained 'very important' foundations for a just peace.
'For example, it sets out steps on security guarantees from the US and partners,' he told the Commons. 'This is very significant.'
He reported that recent discussions in Geneva had moved the process forward, with progress on an updated peace framework between the US and Ukraine. Work is ongoing to refine the plan, though the PM cautioned that there is still a 'tough road ahead'.
Condemning Russian Aggression and Targeting Civilian Infrastructure
Mr Starmer left no room for ambiguity regarding the source of the violence. He emphasised that Ukraine must be at the centre of any peace talks and provided a stark update on the scale of recent attacks.
In the week leading up to last night's strikes, he revealed, Russia launched over 1,200 drones and more than 60 cruise and ballistic missiles at Ukraine. He specifically mentioned the death of a seven-year-old child, Amelia, highlighting the tragic loss of young lives.
Updating MPs on his discussions at the G20 in South Africa, the Prime Minister stressed the urgent need to take Russian oil and gas off the global market. This is particularly vital as winter sets in and Putin continues his 'barbaric attacks' on civilians and energy infrastructure.
'There is only one nation that wants this war,' Mr Starmer stated unequivocally, 'only one nation that launched this illegal invasion.'
