SIR Keir Starmer has today announced a new round of Russian sanctions to crank up pressure on Vladimir Putin to “make concessions” in peace talks.
The PM also doubled down his pledge to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine despite kickback from other European countries.
Sir Keir Starmer addressing the Kyiv summit today
AFPThe PM pledged his support for Volodymyr Zelensky[/caption]
In a call with Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, he said: “Russia does not hold all the cards in this war.”
It will be seen as another gentle rebuke to Donald Trump who last week said the Russians “have the cards” in settlement negotiations.
The US President has thrown geopolitics into disarray by initiating peace talks with Russia, while freezing out the Ukrainians and branding Mr Zelensky a “dictator”.
European allies today rallied round the Ukrainian leader as they marked three years since the invasion.
Zooming in from No10, Sir Keir said: “We must keep dialling up the economic pressure, to get Putin to a point where he is ready not just to talk, but to make concessions.
“So today we’re announcing the UK’s largest package of sanctions since the early days of the war.
“Going after Russia’s shadow fleet, and going after companies in China and elsewhere who are sending military components.
“Later today I will be discussing further steps with the G7 – and I am clear that the G7 should be ready to take on more risk, including on the oil price cap, sanctioning Russia’s oil giants, and going after the banks that are enabling the evasion of sanctions.”
Stressing Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine, the PM added: “Russia does not hold all the cards in this war. Because the Ukrainians have the courage to defend their country.”
He added: “The UK is ready and willing to support this with troops on the ground.
“With other Europeans, and with the right conditions in place. And ultimately a US backstop will be vital to deter Russia from launching another invasion in just a few years’ time.”
Zelensky has vowed to step down as Ukraine’s President in exchange for peace or Nato membership.
The shock remarks were made at a press conference this weekend as he emphasised that Ukraine’s security was his priority.
Zelensky said on Sunday: “If it’s about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that [in exchange for peace].
“Secondly I can exchange it for Nato [membership]. “If there is such an opportunity I’ll do it immediately without a long conversation about it.”
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