UPDATE: Sir Keir Starmer is currently meeting with key allies of Ukraine at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss a critical US-drafted peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. The discussions are urgent, as the proposed 28-point plan requires Ukraine to make significant concessions, including territorial compromises and military reductions.
Just announced, the Prime Minister’s meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz lasted approximately 25 minutes before expanding to include leaders from the G7 and G20, including representatives from Japan, Canada, Italy, Norway, and the European Union.
The US administration is reportedly pushing Ukraine to consider the plan, which has sparked controversy due to its exclusion of Ukrainian and European allies during negotiations. Starmer emphasized the importance of a ceasefire and the need for Ukraine to have autonomy in deciding its future, expressing that “Ukraine has been ready to negotiate for months, while Russia has stalled and continued its murderous rampage.”
In a statement before the summit, Starmer condemned Russia for deploying nearly 1,000 drones and 54 precision-guided missiles in the past week alone, insisting that the international community must unite to secure a just and lasting peace.
“We must all work together, with both the US and Ukraine, to achieve that,” Starmer stated.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously welcomed the US proposal, indicating it “could form the basis of a final peace settlement.” Nevertheless, he noted that the plan had not been discussed substantively with Russia, insinuating a lack of Ukrainian consent.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed his nation, describing the current moment as “one of the most difficult” in Ukraine’s history. He stressed the importance of maintaining dignity while navigating the possibility of losing a crucial ally.
The Prime Minister’s discussions come amid Donald Trump’s absence from the G20, with Trump demanding a response from Ukraine regarding the peace plan by Thursday, November 23. Starmer’s diplomatic approach aims to reinforce the UK’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to self-determination.
In an additional development, the UK government is set to announce a £4 billion maritime agreement with Indonesia, expected to create 1,000 jobs in the UK, showcasing the UK’s commitment to international partnerships even amidst challenging geopolitical tensions.
As discussions continue at the G20, the focus remains on how allies can bolster the peace plan and support Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. Attention is now turned to the outcomes of today’s high-stakes meetings, with global implications for peace and security.
