Zelenskyy discusses with Starmer possible formats for peace negotiations with Putin
Archive photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Among other things, they discussed possible formats for negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to Zelenskyy.
"Keir expressed his condolences over the deaths of our people as a result of Russia’s attack on Kyiv. It was an absolutely vile and brutal missile and drone strike that took the lives of 31 people, including 5 children. Our conversation today focused on how to stop the killings, provide greater protection for our people, and force Russia to end this war," Zelenskyy said.
The leaders also discussed the urgent need to increase the production of drones, especially interceptors.
"There is a specific financial need, and we agreed to find a solution," Zelenskyy noted.
Zelenskyy and Starmer also discussed sanctions against Russia.
"Russia genuinely fears them, no matter how hard it pretends that it couldn’t care less. Sanctions are undoubtedly working – and there will be more. We are working with everyone on coordinated restrictive measures," the President emphasized.
In addition, Zelenskyy and Starmer discussed our cooperation with American partners, in particular coordination with US President Donald Trump, and possible formats for peace talks at the leadership level.
"We are also preparing for active diplomatic engagement with our partners in Europe and the United States. We aligned our positions ahead of upcoming international events," Zelenskyy added.
Zelenskyy–Putin meeting
At the most recent negotiations in Istanbul, Ukraine and Russia discussed the possibility of a meeting at the level of national leaders. The Ukrainian delegation proposed holding the talks with the participation of US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
However, Russia has so far not agreed to such a meeting. The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, responded to the initiative by stating that a leaders’ summit should mark the final point and must be carefully prepared.
At the same time, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said after the meeting that the parties had generally agreed on a meeting between the leaders.
