Putin should not be allowed to “play games” with Ukraine ceasefire -  Starmer

The Guardian reports.

 As noted by the media outlet, on Saturday, March 15, the UK Prime Minister will hold a meeting of the "coalition of the willing" – a group of countries that have agreed to help maintain peace in Ukraine.

He will try to exert pressure on the Kremlin leader to "finally sit at the negotiating table" and "stop the barbaric attacks on Ukraine."

The virtual meeting is expected to be attended by European countries, the European Commission, NATO, Canada, Ukraine, Australia, and New Zealand. They will provide updated information on the assistance they can provide to ensure the implementation of the peace agreement.

Starmer is expected to present to the leaders the details of the plan developed by him and French President Emmanuel Macron.

“We can’t allow President Putin to play games with President Trump’s deal,” Starmer said before the summit. 

  “The Kremlin’s complete disregard for President Trump’s ceasefire proposal only serves to demonstrate that Putin is not serious about peace,” he added.

“If Russia finally comes to the table, then we must be ready to monitor a ceasefire to ensure it is a serious, and enduring peace, if they don’t, then we need to strain every sinew to ramp up economic pressure on Russia to secure an end to this war,” the British Prime Minister emphasized.

Starmer noted that the Russian leader is trying to stall, saying that a thorough investigation must be conducted before a ceasefire is possible.

“But the world needs to see action, not a study or empty words and pointless conditions,” summarized the UK Prime Minister.

• Earlier, it was reported that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed progress in peace talks and support for Ukraine during a telephone conversation.