London [UK], December 12: US President Donald Trump and European leaders want the "same thing" for Ukraine with a "just and lasting" ceasefire, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer insisted as precarious peace efforts surrounding a US-led plan to end the war with Russia continue.
Starmer said there were a "number of issues still to be resolved" but dismissed suggestions his optimism had been frayed ahead of chairing a call with allies in the coalition of the willing on Thursday.
Asked during a visit to Norfolk whether there was a chance of progress being made into the weekend, or whether his hopes had been "worn down," he said: "No, we do need to make progress." "And what President Trump wants, what Ukraine wants, what Europeans want is the same thing, which is a just and lasting peace in Ukraine after the nearly four-year aggression from Putin and Russia."
He added: "So we're working towards that aim." "Obviously there are a number of issues still to be resolved, but I'm very clear in my mind that we support Ukraine in this fight, not of their making."
"They've paid a very heavy price. If there is to be a ceasefire and I hope there is, the Ukrainians want that above all else, it must be just and it must be lasting." It comes after Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke to Trump on Wednesday as the US relationship with Europe faces severe strain.
The US president said they had discussed proposals to end the war in "pretty strong terms," and that European leaders would like a meeting this weekend with both the US and Ukraine, adding that he thought Zelensky "has to be realistic" about the war.
"We'll make a determination depending on what they come back with," Trump told reporters during a question-and-answer session at the White House. Downing Street said all the leaders had agreed it was a "critical moment" for the future of Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security.
Source: Qatar Tribune