Next week, Sir Keir Starmer will have important talks with Donald Trump about Ukraine’s sovereignty. He emphasized the UK’s strong support for Ukraine during a recent call with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This conversation was their second in just four days, which highlights the urgency of the situation.
Sir Keir told Zelensky that any negotiations to end the war must center around Ukraine. He assured the president of the UK’s commitment to achieving a fair and lasting peace, urging that Ukraine’s sovereignty is vital to prevent future aggression from Russia.
The discussions come at a critical time. As the third anniversary of Russia’s large-scale invasion approaches, around 2,000 people protested outside the Russian embassy in London. These demonstrators expressed their concerns about the ongoing war and demand support for Ukraine.
In their talks, Sir Keir and Zelensky agreed that this is a pivotal moment for both Ukraine and European security. Sir Keir plans to further these discussions, including with Trump, during his upcoming visit to Washington, D.C.
During a separate call, Sir Keir also spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They discussed the need for Europe to unify for better collective security in light of the ongoing conflict. Sir Keir’s meeting with Trump follows a series of high-stakes discussions among European leaders regarding how to respond to the US president’s warming relations with Russia.
Trump has criticized European leaders, stating they have done little to help end the war. He also made controversial remarks about Zelensky, belittling his role in negotiations. In response, Zelensky argued that Trump is misinformed, likely due to Russia’s influence.
As these political talks unfold, public sentiment remains strong. At the London protests, many expressed their frustration with world leaders for their handling of the situation. Some marchers, including 93-year-old Margaret Owen, drew parallels between today’s political climate and past appeasements, calling for a stronger stand against aggressors like Putin.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, highlighted the importance of engaging with Trump rather than resorting to anger. She stressed the necessity of including Ukraine in any peace discussions, asserting that the future of Ukraine can’t be determined without its leaders at the table.
Ukrainian student Oleksandra Udovenko from Kyiv also joined the protests, vocalizing her commitment to protecting her country’s interests and independence. The protests and discussions are a clear reminder that the future of Ukraine remains a crucial issue for both local and global communities.
