Starmer meets Zelensky before Trump-Putin summit

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street today as European leaders prepare for Friday’s highly anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

The meeting underscores Britain’s commitment to maintaining robust support for Ukraine while positioning European perspectives ahead of potentially pivotal peace negotiations.

The discussions come as Starmer has indicated Britain’s readiness to “intensify pressure” on Moscow if required, suggesting that additional sanctions could be implemented should the Kremlin reject ceasefire proposals during the upcoming summit. The Prime Minister’s stance reflects coordinated European efforts to ensure that any diplomatic breakthrough does not compromise Ukrainian sovereignty or European security interests.

Following a conversation with Trump and European partners yesterday, Starmer described the Friday meeting as presenting a “viable” opportunity to conclude the ongoing conflict. The Prime Minister told reporters that after more than three years of warfare, recent diplomatic efforts have created the first genuine possibility of achieving a sustainable resolution to the crisis.

The European coalition has articulated four fundamental principles to guide Friday’s negotiations: meaningful talks can only occur within the context of a ceasefire, intensified sanctions should follow if Russia rejects peace overtures, international borders must not be altered through force, and Ukraine must receive security guarantees from willing partners.

Zelensky’s visit to London at 9:30 AM local time represents part of broader European diplomatic coordination aimed at ensuring Ukrainian interests remain central to any peace process. The Ukrainian President has consistently warned against premature compromises that could reward Russian aggression or undermine long-term regional stability.