LONDON (CHATNEWSTV) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday called on world leaders to ramp up economic pressure on Russia, accusing President Vladimir Putin of using stalling tactics to avoid serious peace negotiations.
“We can’t allow President Putin to play games with President Trump’s deal,” Starmer said in a statement ahead of a virtual meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing. “The Kremlin’s complete disregard for President Trump’s ceasefire proposal only serves to demonstrate that Putin is not serious about peace.”
The coalition, which includes around 25 countries—among them NATO members, the EU, Canada, Ukraine, Australia, and New Zealand—will meet Saturday to discuss military and economic measures aimed at forcing Russia into negotiations and securing a lasting peace for Ukraine.
Starmer accused Moscow of “pointless conditions” and delaying a ceasefire through unnecessary procedural demands. “Putin is trying to delay, saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place, but the world needs to see action, not empty words,” he said.
The meeting follows a week of diplomatic efforts by the U.K., with the Defense Secretary meeting European counterparts in Paris and the Foreign Secretary attending G7 talks in Canada. Leaders will also review military aid contributions ahead of a planning session next week.
“My message to the Kremlin could not be clearer: stop the barbaric attacks on Ukraine, once and for all, and agree to a ceasefire now,” Starmer said. “Until then, we will keep working around the clock to deliver peace.”
