Ahead of Trump-Putin call: Starmer talks Ukraine war with EU, US leaders
Photo: Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
On Sunday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed Russia's war against Ukraine with the leaders of the United States, Italy, France, and Germany, according to Reuters.
Ahead of a scheduled phone call between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, Western leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the leaders also talked about imposing sanctions if Russia fails to take the ceasefire and peace talks seriously.
The talks followed a wave of diplomatic activity that began with a May 10 visit to Kyiv, where leading European nations endorsed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.
Following Sunday’s discussions, French President Emmanuel Macron posted on the social media platform X, confirming the talks and effectively issuing a new ultimatum to Putin.
"Tomorrow, President Putin must show he wants peace by accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe," French President Emmanuel Macron said on X after the Sunday call.
Earlier on Saturday, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Moscow of creating confusion after talks between Ukraine and Russia on a potential ceasefire broke down in under two hours. Trump had said "nothing can happen" until he speaks directly with Putin.
Trump-Putin talks
Donald Trump recently announced he will speak with Vladimir Putin by phone on Monday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and trade issues.
The US president added that he plans to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy afterward and join him in speaking with NATO leaders.
Trump expressed hope that a ceasefire would be announced.
