Xinhua
16 Mar 2025, 01:16 GMT+10
LONDON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to securing lasting peace in Ukraine as Britain hosted a virtual meeting with more than 25 political leaders on Saturday morning. However, no detailed or updated defense measures were announced.
At the press conference after the virtual meeting, when asked whether any concrete commitments emerged from it, Starmer said the meeting had helped build political and military momentum, with participating countries agreeing to increase collective pressure on Russia. However, he stopped short of disclosing what specific measures would be taken at the "operational phase."
Joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from Canada, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, Starmer urged Russia to "come to the table to negotiate a deal." He also announced plans to host a military meeting next Thursday.
The prime minister reiterated Britain's stance on securing U.S. involvement in Ukraine's future defense, emphasizing that discussions with the United States are ongoing "on a daily basis."
He also suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump is committed to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, adding that the close relationship between Britain and the U.S. is "the base on which we are planning."
Starmer reaffirmed Britain's willingness to take a leading role in the "coalition of the willing," a post-conflict arrangement that he announced two weeks ago during a London Summit. He said Britain is willing to deploy troops on the ground and aircraft in the sky. However, he did not specify how other nations would contribute to the coalition.
He also told reporters that leaders at the meeting had discussed tightening sanctions on Russia, including potential measures to freeze Russian assets in the future.
Get a daily dose of Calgary Monitor news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Calgary Monitor.
More InformationBEIJING, China: China has announced new tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products in retaliation for Canada's recent duties...
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) speaks with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in front of 10 Downing Street in...
The Vatican issued an update Saturday on the health of Pope Francis, who remains in Rome’s Gemelli hospital under the care of doctors,...
William Dandjinou of Canada competes during the men's 1,500m final A at the ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships 2025...
(250315) -- BEIJING, March 15, 2025 (Xinhua) -- William Dandjinou (L) of Canada and Stijn Desmet of Belgium celebrate after the men's...
Flags of the European Union fly outside the Berlaymont Building, the European Commission headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 29,...
BEIJING, China: China has announced new tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products in retaliation for Canada's recent duties...
WINNIPEG, Manitoba: Farmers in the U.S. and Canada are bracing for soaring fertilizer prices as trade tensions escalate between the...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Mark Carney, Canada's incoming prime minister, has announced plans to renounce his Irish and British citizenships...
William Dandjinou of Canada competes during the men's 1,500m final A at the ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships 2025...
(250315) -- BEIJING, March 15, 2025 (Xinhua) -- William Dandjinou (L) of Canada and Stijn Desmet of Belgium celebrate after the men's...
(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) Toronto Blue Jays 2024 record: 74-88 (5th place, AL East). He gone: INF/OF Spencer...