Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with Volodymyr Zelensky today in preparation for the Ukrainian leader’s upcoming meeting with Donald Trump. The anticipated talks between the US President and Mr. Zelensky aim to address the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Sunday evening. Prior to the scheduled meeting, Mr. Trump mentioned on Truth Social that he had a productive phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Upon arriving in Florida, Mr. Zelensky conversed with Mr. Starmer, who has been working closely with European allies to establish a Coalition of the Willing. This coalition pledges to oversee any potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Mr. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Keir for their continuous coordination, emphasizing the importance of their discussions on the upcoming meeting with President Trump and engagements with European partners.
The Prime Minister’s office stated that Boris Johnson spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterating the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine and its commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace. Both leaders denounced Russia’s aggressive and illegal invasion, including the recent attack on Kyiv. They praised diplomatic efforts and acknowledged President Trump’s involvement in pursuing peace, agreeing to maintain close communication in the days ahead.
In earlier statements, Mr. Zelensky urged continued pressure on Russia to face consequences for its aggression, highlighting the significant attacks on Ukrainian cities during the holiday period. Despite ongoing hostilities, Mr. Zelensky emphasized the urgency for diplomatic solutions before the New Year, insisting on holding Russia accountable for its actions.
Following a recent assault on Kyiv resulting in casualties and power outages, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Kyiv and European leaders of lacking readiness for constructive dialogue. He suggested that Europe was preparing for conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, as Mr. Zelensky headed to Florida, discussions with President Trump were expected to focus on a comprehensive 20-point proposal to resolve the conflict, covering economic agreements, territorial disputes, and potential US military assurances similar to NATO’s Article 5.
While Mr. Zelensky indicated that a peace plan is near completion, with key elements such as territorial concessions still under negotiation, he aimed to address these sensitive issues during talks with President Trump. The proposed peace plan includes provisions for US support mirroring NATO’s collective defense mechanism.