UK PM Lauds Trump For Bringing 'Us Closer Than Ever' To Ending Russia-Ukraine War

Last Updated:August 16, 2025, 18:19 IST

Starmer said he had spoken with Zelenskyy, Trump, and other European partners, confirming that all parties are ready to support the next phase of peace efforts

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer with US President Donald Trump. (Reuters file photo)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday praised US President Donald Trump for bringing “us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine" following high-stakes talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

In a statement released after a debrief with Trump and other European leaders, Starmer welcomed the progress made, despite the Alaska summit ending without a ceasefire deal.

The UK PM noted that the next step must involve Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“President Trump’s efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended," Starmer said.

“While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him."

Starmer also said he had spoken with Zelenskyy, Trump, and other European partners, confirming that all parties are ready to support the next phase of peace efforts.

He welcomed the willingness of both the United States and Europe to offer strong security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any future deal, calling it “important progress" that could help deter future aggression from Russia.

However, Starmer stressed that until Russia ends its “barbaric assault," Western nations will continue to increase pressure on Moscow.

“We will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people," he added.

Trump and Putin held over three hours of closed-door discussions at a US air base in Alaska on Friday. While no breakthrough was achieved, Trump said he would now push for a broader peace agreement that includes Ukraine’s direct participation.

European leaders, including Starmer, have welcomed the push for a second summit that would include Ukraine’s President, viewing it as a potential path forward in resolving the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Starmer further reaffirmed the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine, stating, “Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes."

(With inputs from agencies)

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News world UK PM Lauds Trump For Bringing 'Us Closer Than Ever' To Ending Russia-Ukraine War

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