British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s response to a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, calling it “not good enough.” The UK hosted a virtual summit of Western nations and Ukraine’s allies to build support for Kyiv and pressure Moscow. Putin accepted the terms of a 30-day ceasefire but claimed it was incomplete.
The meeting comes as Russia advances in its Kursk border region, where it is trying to reverse Ukraine’s gains. Starmer announced that militaries from Ukraine’s allies will meet in the UK on Thursday to develop plans for keeping the peace if a ceasefire is struck. The allies agreed to continue military aid and restrictions on Russia’s economy.
US President Donald Trump, who endorsed the proposed ceasefire, called it “a very good chance” for ending the war. However, Putin has not yet committed to serious discussion. The virtual summit saw over 25 countries attend, including European nations and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed that its air defenses shot down 126 Ukrainian drones overnight, but Ukraine says hundreds of drones crossed the border.
The situation remains tense, with both sides exchanging blows. A ceasefire is crucial to end the three-year war, which has seen significant losses on both sides. The “coalition of the willing” will continue to apply pressure on Russia to engage in serious talks.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/15/europe/starmer-not-good-enough-putin-ukraine-intl/index.html