On a day of frenetic diplomatic activity, Starmer, speaking via video link to world leaders gathered in Kyiv, said Trump had “changed the global conversation” around Ukraine
In a significant development, the UK government has imposed a new round of sanctions on Russia, aiming to pressure Vladimir Putin into making concessions regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This move comes as world leaders mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Amidst the diplomatic flurry, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged that US President Donald Trump has positively altered the global discourse on Ukraine, despite controversy surrounding some of Trump’s statements.
Starmer, addressing world leaders via video link from Kyiv, credited Trump with shifting the global conversation on Ukraine “for the better.” He stated that Trump’s interventions had created an opportunity for peace talks, emphasizing the need to get the fundamentals right. Starmer’s spokesperson later clarified that Trump’s actions had indeed improved the situation, paving the way for discussions that could lead to lasting peace in Ukraine.
However, the UK has maintained a cautious stance, particularly in response to Trump’s controversial claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a dictator. These remarks have been widely criticized for undermining the transatlantic consensus on the conflict. Despite this, Starmer has refrained from directly addressing these claims, focusing instead on the potential for constructive dialogue.
On Monday, the UK announced its largest sanctions package against Russia since the early weeks of the invasion. Starmer expressed hope that these measures would not only force Putin to engage in talks but also to make meaningful concessions. The prime minister reiterated that Kyiv “holds all the cards in this war,” a statement that directly contradicts Trump’s recent remarks suggesting Moscow’s position of strength.
Starmer also called for Ukraine to be included in any peace talks and reiterated the need for a US “backstop” to any agreement. During a G7 call that included Trump, Starmer underscored Britain’s support for Zelenskyy’s government and urged allied countries to increase their military support for Ukraine and their economic sanctions on Russia.
The UK left the door open for Russia’s eventual return to the G7, a position that gained attention following comments by Security Minister Dan Jarvis. Jarvis suggested that Russia’s re-entry into the G7 could be a topic for discussion with international allies once the Ukraine conflict is resolved. However, Downing Street clarified that this would not happen while Russia continues to occupy Ukrainian territory.
Starmer’s spokesperson reiterated the UK’s longstanding position: “We can’t countenance Russia joining the G7 whilst it has got illegal forces in Ukraine.” This stance reflects the UK’s commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia until a resolution is reached.
The new sanctions package includes 107 entities, targeting 40 “shadow fleet” ships and 14 “new kleptocrats,” including Russian billionaire Roman Trotsenko. This is the largest sanctions package since 2022. Among those sanctioned is North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, who was targeted due to his country’s decision to send troops to support Russia’s war effort. The US and EU had previously sanctioned No at the end of last year.
The UK is also placing sanctions on Keremet Bank, based in Kyrgyzstan, marking the first non-Russian bank to be targeted. Additionally, companies in China, India, and Turkey that supply tools and goods to Russia’s military have been included in the sanctions list.
Separately, the Home Office announced plans to widen travel sanctions for Kremlin-linked figures. The UK will also allocate an additional £20 million for medical and rehabilitation support for Ukrainians on the frontline.
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the UK’s imposition of new sanctions and its diplomatic efforts underscore a commitment to resolving the crisis. While acknowledging the positive impact of US President Trump’s engagement, the UK remains vigilant in addressing the complexities of the situation. The sanctions and diplomatic initiatives reflect a multifaceted approach aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
