UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will today hold talks with Ukraine’s European allies on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, aiming to reinforce a US-drafted proposal to end the war with Russia.Downing Street confirmed that Starmer will meet leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss ways to “strengthen” the American plan and secure a full ceasefire.Sources in Washington say the proposal, strongly backed by President Donald Trump, would require Ukraine to accept significant concessions, including the permanent loss of occupied territories and sharp reductions in the size of its armed forces.A UK government spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister is clear that any agreement must lead to a just and lasting peace. Today’s discussions will focus on how partners can work together to create the conditions for meaningful negotiations.”The meeting comes after President Trump announced he would boycott the Johannesburg summit, leaving European leaders to take a more prominent role in efforts to resolve the three-year conflict.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined a conference call with Starmer, Macron, and Merz yesterday and welcomed continued “principled support” from Kyiv’s allies, while repeating that Ukraine remains ready for talks provided its sovereignty and security are guaranteed.Diplomatic efforts at the G20 are expected to continue throughout the day, with further details of any revised peace framework likely to emerge after the allies’ meeting.
Starmer leads push to bolster US peace plan as G20 allies press Ukraine on territorial and military concessions
