Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning that a flawed peace agreement for Ukraine could set the stage for escalated conflict, amidst mounting pressure from Donald Trump to bring an end to the ongoing war.
In a statement to the Commons Liaison Committee, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of unwavering support for Kyiv, emphasizing the need for vigilance against potential threats from Russia. He underscored the historical precedent of peace agreements in Europe that ultimately collapsed, leading to even more severe hostilities.
Scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders in Berlin, the PM described the current period as critical not only for Ukraine but also for Europe and the UK. He emphasized the repeated pattern of Russian aggression and urged continuous efforts to secure a just and enduring peace, emphasizing the necessity of robust security assurances in any potential peace deal.
Highlighting the significance of ongoing discussions, it was revealed that Ukrainian President Zelensky has engaged in talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, in Germany to negotiate the terms of a new 20-point peace plan. This plan, developed as a counter to a US-led proposal perceived as favoring Russia, remains confidential.
Meanwhile, MI6 chief Blaise Metreweli cautioned that Putin’s tactics are delaying resolution efforts and testing Western resolve with actions that hover “just below the threshold of war.” In a speech in London, she condemned Russia’s aggressive and expansionist behavior, emphasizing the importance of sustained support for Ukraine in safeguarding European sovereignty, security, and global stability.
Metreweli highlighted the toll of Putin’s actions, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost due to the conflict, attributing the prolonged negotiations and the burden of war costs to Putin’s distorted historical narratives and quest for respect. She reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine, stressing the enduring pressure applied on its behalf as essential not only for regional security but also for global peace.
The MI6 chief also underscored Russia’s attempts to manipulate and intimidate in the “grey zone” through sub-threshold tactics, warning of the broader implications of these actions on international security.
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