UK PM Starmer: No Talks on Ukraine’s Future Without Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized that discussions about Ukraine's future cannot happen without Ukraine’s direct involvement.

Speaking at the Scottish Labour Party conference in Glasgow on Sunday, Starmer made his position clear ahead of his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump this week.

“Nobody wants the bloodshed to continue. Nobody, least of all the Ukrainians.
But after everything that they have suffered, after everything that they have fought for, there could be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine, and the people of Ukraine must have a long-term secure future.”

Starmer's visit follows French President Emmanuel Macron's scheduled meeting with Trump on Monday, marking three years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On Thursday, Starmer will travel to Washington to discuss Ukraine’s military support and European security with Trump.

Western leaders are expected to urge Trump not to rush into a ceasefire agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin without considering Ukraine’s security.

Trump, however, has criticized both Macron and Starmer, stating on Friday that they have taken no concrete action to stop the war.

Starmer stressed that supporting Ukraine is not only morally right but also crucial for Britain’s security.

“Instability in Europe always washes up on our shores, and this is a generational moment.”

He also reaffirmed Britain's leadership role in European security and expressed support for the US initiative urging Europe to take on more responsibility for its own defense.

“We have to be ready to play our role if force is required in Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached.
We must be prepared to reshape our economy with industrial policy—to stand up for Ukraine, stand up for Europe, but most of all, to stand up for our security.”