Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for an escalation of Western sanctions on Russia in order to compel the country to engage in negotiations. During a summit in Paris with European leaders, Starmer criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for demanding the lifting of sanctions before a maritime ceasefire with Ukraine is implemented. Starmer stressed the importance of increasing sanctions rather than easing them, asserting that such measures are crucial in bringing Russia to the negotiating table.
The summit, known as the “coalition of the willing,” involved representatives from 30 countries, in addition to the European Union and Nato. Starmer, after discussions with partners at the summit, highlighted the necessity for a “framework and a deadline” for peace talks in Ukraine. He underscored the importance of intensifying economic pressure on Russia, implementing new and stricter sanctions, and curbing Russia’s energy revenues to underscore the commitment to achieving peace in Ukraine.
Amid ongoing devastating attacks on Ukraine by Russia, Starmer expressed that there is a widespread political resolve to achieve a just and lasting peace. The collective efforts of European nations have been unified, demonstrating a strong and resolute stance against Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized the lack of genuine interest in peace from Russia, underscoring the need for discussions on security guarantees in the upcoming weeks and days to address the escalating tensions in the region.
As discussions surrounding potential interventions in Ukraine continue, there are contrasting views on the prospect of a European force safeguarding a ceasefire in the region. French President Macron stated that any attack on European forces deployed to protect the ceasefire in Ukraine would be met with a response. Meanwhile, Russian authorities have expressed strong opposition to the idea of a European force in Ukraine, raising concerns about potential conflicts with Nato forces and reiterating their staunch disapproval of such interventions
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