Roula Khalaf, the Editor of the Financial Times, has curated her preferred stories into a weekly newsletter called the Editor’s Digest.
Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Kyiv, emphasizing the necessity for Ukraine to play a central role in any peace discussions as the UK Prime Minister prepares to meet Donald Trump next week. As the conflict marks its third anniversary, the British government is set to announce a comprehensive set of sanctions against Russia, aligning closely with a significant EU package.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the objective of these measures is to intensify pressure on Vladimir Putin’s administration, aiming to weaken Russia’s military capabilities and reduce revenues supporting the conflict in Ukraine. The anticipated sanctions, likely to target Russia’s aluminum and oil exports, arise amid growing concerns in European capitals about the potential easing of sanctions by the US President as part of a peace agreement with Putin, excluding European input.
On Saturday, Starmer and Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a conversation in which Starmer reiterated the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine and the commitment to achieving a fair and lasting peace to end Russia’s unlawful war, according to Downing Street. This discussion occurred ahead of a crucial week of diplomatic engagement regarding Ukraine’s future, during which Starmer will engage with Trump at the White House on Thursday.
These bilateral talks between the UK and the US follow meetings between Polish President Andrzej Duda and the US President on Saturday, with French President Emmanuel Macron scheduled to meet in Washington on Monday. European leaders are engaging in intense diplomatic activity amid escalating tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy. Trump labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator” after Zelenskyy accused Trump of residing in a disinformation bubble concerning the claim that Kyiv initiated the conflict with Moscow.
In their most recent conversation, Starmer and Zelenskyy addressed the need to collaborate with allies to “achieve peace through strength,” referencing a slogan closely linked with former Republican President Ronald Reagan, implying that military power can prevent conflict. The UK Prime Minister reaffirmed the stance that Ukraine’s involvement is essential in any negotiations to resolve the war, following discussions between American and Russian negotiators in Riyadh, which lacked Ukrainian representation.
Starmer also spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday. They agreed that Europe must enhance efforts for the sake of collective European security, as reported by Number 10. The Prime Minister faces pressure to establish a timeline for fulfilling a manifesto commitment to increase British defense spending to 2.5% of GDP from the current 2.3%, a change that could cost up to £6 billion annually. Cabinet Minister Bridget Phillipson did not confirm speculation on Sunday regarding whether Starmer will announce a deadline during his upcoming meeting with Trump.
James Cartlidge, the Tory shadow defense secretary, suggested that the government should consider reallocating funds from Whitehall to bolster defense spending. He questioned whether maintaining a large civil service is justified or if resources should instead be diverted to strengthen the armed forces.
The UK and France are developing proposals for a “reassurance force” that would utilize Western air power, supported by the US, to enforce any ceasefire agreement in Ukraine and deter potential Russian aggression. Starmer emphasized that a “US backstop” would be vital to this plan, and he intends to persuade Trump during their face-to-face discussion that safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty is crucial to preventing future Russian hostility.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey detailed concerns on Sunday regarding any US-mediated peace deal that excludes Kyiv. He warned that an unstable peace could lead to further conflict, emphasizing that Ukrainians do not fear Russian aggression. Instead, their concern is Western fatigue. Healey stated that the decisions made in the coming weeks will not only determine the outcome of the current conflict but also shape global security for the foreseeable future.
