UK’s Starmer discusses Ukraine peace efforts in call with Trump

Summary

• Starmer and Trump discussed securing a "just and lasting end" to the war in Ukraine during a phone call on December 21.
• They discussed the "Coalition of the Willing's" efforts to support Ukraine and any potential peace deal.
• US negotiators met with Russian, Ukrainian, and European officials in Florida to discuss a peace plan after Russia's 2022 invasion.

LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed efforts to achieve a “just and lasting end” to the war in Ukraine on Dec 21 with US President Donald Trump, Mr Starmer’s Downing Street office said in a statement, after talks between officials in Florida.

“The two leaders began by reflecting on the war in Ukraine,” Mr Starmer’s office said in a readout of the call, adding they had discussed the work of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” countries that have pledged to support Ukraine.

“The Prime Minister updated on work by the Coalition of the Willing to support any peace deal and ensure a just and lasting end to the hostilities.”

US negotiators met Russian officials in Florida on Dec 20 for the latest talks aimed at ending the conflict, as Mr Trump’s administration tries to coax an agreement out of both sides.

The Miami meeting followed US talks on Dec 19 with Ukrainian and European officials, the latest discussions of a peace plan that has sparked some hope of a resolution to the conflict that began when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The Downing Street readout also said that Mr Starmer and Mr Trump discussed the appointment of Mr Christian Turner as ambassador to the US
after his predecessor, Mr Peter Mandelson, was fired when supportive emails he sent to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light. REUTERS