Ukraine War Peace Talks: Trump’s Bold Moves Bring Ukraine War’s End Within Reach, Says UK’s Starmer
The prospect of ending the war in Ukraine is “closer than ever before,” according to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who credits US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts for this progress.
Despite a recent summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failing to secure a ceasefire, Starmer remains optimistic about peace prospects, emphasizing that Ukraine’s voice must remain central to any resolution.
Summit in Alaska: High Hopes, No Deal
On Friday, global attention turned to Anchorage, Alaska, where Trump and Putin met in a highly anticipated summit aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Billed as a critical step toward peace, the meeting raised expectations for a breakthrough.
However, no concrete agreements emerged, with Trump describing the outcome as “great progress” despite the lack of a ceasefire. He remained upbeat, noting that “many points” were agreed upon, with only “very few” issues left unresolved.
Speaking to Fox News Radio before the summit, Trump had estimated a 25% chance of failure, reflecting cautious optimism. While the absence of a deal disappointed some, the US president’s willingness to engage directly with Putin signaled a renewed push for diplomacy in a conflict that has caused widespread devastation.
Ukraine’s Role in Peace Talks
Starmer stressed that any path to peace must involve Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine,” he said, reaffirming the UK’s “unwavering support” for Kyiv. Zelensky is set to travel to Washington, DC, on Monday to meet Trump, with both leaders aiming to lay the groundwork for further negotiations.
Following the Alaska summit, Zelensky spoke with Trump on Saturday, emphasizing the need for a “lasting peace” rather than a temporary pause in hostilities.
He warned that Russia might escalate attacks in the coming days to gain leverage in future talks. “Russia will likely increase pressure and strikes to create more favorable circumstances,” Zelensky said, underscoring the urgency of inclusive discussions.
Western Allies Rally for Ukraine
On Saturday morning, Starmer held calls with Western leaders to coordinate next steps. In a statement, he praised Trump’s leadership, saying, “His efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.” He also vowed that allies would intensify sanctions on Russia’s “war machine” until Putin halts his “barbaric assault.”
France announced that Starmer would join French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a video call on Sunday with Kyiv’s allies, described as a “coalition of the willing.” The call aims to strengthen support for Ukraine and explore security guarantees as part of any future peace deal. A Downing Street source emphasized the importance of US involvement, noting that robust security agreements are essential for lasting peace.
UK’s Show of Solidarity
Zelensky’s visit to London on Friday, just before the Alaska summit, underscored the UK’s commitment to Ukraine. Starmer and Zelensky shared a warm embrace at Downing Street before holding talks over breakfast. The meeting was a deliberate display of unity, signaling to both Russia and the international community that the UK stands firmly with Ukraine.
The carefully coordinated visit highlighted the strong ties between London and Kyiv, with Starmer reiterating the UK’s long-term support. “We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he said, reinforcing the message that allies remain united in their resolve.
Looking Ahead: A Fragile Hope
While the Alaska summit did not deliver a ceasefire, Starmer’s remarks reflect cautious optimism about the trajectory of peace efforts. Trump’s engagement with Putin, combined with Zelensky’s upcoming talks in Washington, keeps the door open for progress. However, the road to peace remains fraught, with Russia’s ongoing aggression and the need for inclusive negotiations posing significant challenges.
As global leaders continue to rally behind Ukraine, the international community watches closely, hopeful that diplomacy can bring an end to the conflict. For now, Starmer’s praise for Trump’s efforts signals a belief that the end of the war may indeed be within reach.
