Starmer's Call for Tougher Sanctions on Russia Amidst Ukraine Peace Talks

Sir Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, has urged for increased sanctions on Russia rather than a relaxation, insisting that such measures are essential to compel the country to engage in meaningful peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. Speaking in Paris at a summit attended by European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Starmer accused President Vladimir Putin of trying to ‘play games’ and buy time by demanding the lifting of sanctions before a US-negotiated maritime ceasefire could be put into place.

During the summit, which gathered representatives from 30 nations alongside officials from the European Union and NATO, Starmer emphasized the need for a ‘framework and a deadline’ for peace talks. He highlighted that a united and strong political will exists among European leaders to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. This includes implementing tougher sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s energy revenues.

Furthermore, Starmer reiterated that the UK would lead the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact group to provide further military aid, ensuring that Ukraine remains supported in its fight against Russian aggression. He expressed solidarity with Ukraine’s President Zelensky, acknowledging the ongoing atrocities inflicted by Russia and describing Putin’s pledges as “hollow”.

Both Starmer and Macron concurred that now is not the time to lift sanctions, pointing out that sanctions need to remain in place until Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine’s territory. They underscored that any discussion about a European force in Ukraine must be predicated on actual security guarantees rather than potential military intervention. Notably, there’s a divide among European nations regarding the potential troop contributions for such a force, with some countries considering their individual security threats from Russia.

These discussions come alongside conflicting claims from both Russia and Ukraine about adherence to a separate ceasefire agreement aimed at halting attacks on energy infrastructure. The overall mood among European leaders is one of unity and determination to support Ukraine, despite differing opinions on military involvement.