Starmer and Zelensky say Alaska talks present a ‘viable chance’ for Ukraine
Starmer embraces Zelensky at Downing Street ahead of Trump-Putin meeting
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Downing Street on Thursday, affirming their “strong resolve” to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
It comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
Downing Street said both Sir Keir and Mr Zelensky agreed that the Alaska talks “present a viable chance to make progress as long as [Mr] Putin takes action to prove he is serious about peace”.
However, there are concerns that the US and Russia might attempt to decide the war's conclusion without Ukraine's direct participation.
Mr Trump has warned of "severe consequences" if the Russian leader does not agree to peace, while Mr Putin has hinted at discussions on nuclear arms control.