UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said some 25 allied leaders agreed on Saturday to keep tightening restrictions on Russia’s economy in an effort to draw President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table to secure a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine.
That’s according to Starmer’s comments to journalists voiced at a press conference in London following a virtual meeting of the coalition of the willing, Ukrinform reports, referring to Bloomberg.
“The effects of the sanctions on the Russian economy have been pretty profound. We shouldn’t underestimate the impact they’ve already had and by doubling down and increasing sanctions, that will cause even more pressure,” Starmer said.
He added that Western nations are increasing political and military potential, and after the Allies have taken additional commitments to assist Ukraine after the war, they move to the operational phas” of achieving security guarantees.
At this stage, it is very important that Ukraine’s partners exert maximum pressure on Russia, Starmer said, accusing Putin of delaying the ceasefire, saying Russia should study the proposals and put forward their conditions.
According to Starmer, during the virtual meeting on Saturday, the issue of seizing frozen Russian assets was discussed to finance Ukraine’s defense effort, although he again emphasized political and legal obstacles to such a step.
Poland’s defense minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that European nations and their allies are very motivated to move toward peace, and that there are now more optimistic than two weeks ago.
Everyone is set to put pressure on Russia, he said during the online meeting.
The ball is on Russia’s pitch, he said, adding that now Russia has to reveal its true intentions: whether they really want peace or they utter empty words aimed at delaying negotiations.
Lithuania President Gitanas Nauseda told reporters that all participating countries have expressed their willingness to contribute to peace, but so far it is too early talk about practical assistance in a peacekeeping mission.
Leaders intend to soon submit their proposals to Donald Trump, whom they seek to persuade U.S. security guarantees in the form of air support, intelligence and border monitoring – without the need to deploy U.S. troops as part of peacekeeping forces.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, 29 leaders participated in the online meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing to support Ukraine’s defenses, which took place on March 15 in the video conference format.
After the meeting, Keir Starmer said military officials would meet in the United Kingdom next week to develop specific plans to support a future peace agreement. He also stated that plans should laid down cooperation with the United States.
Photo: Bloomberg
Source: Ukraine allies agree to step up economic pressure on Russia - Starmer
