Putin must prove serious about peace, that’s the message UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are jointly sending to the world. With new talks on ending the war in Ukraine just hours away, the two leaders say there is a “viable” opportunity for a ceasefire, but it all depends on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrates genuine intent.
The statement came after a high-profile breakfast meeting between Starmer and Zelensky in London, held ahead of a crucial summit in Alaska where US President Donald Trump and Putin are scheduled to meet to discuss the conflict.
A United Front Ahead of High-Stakes Talks
Downing Street said the meeting between Starmer and Zelensky showed “a powerful sense of unity and a strong resolve to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.” The timing was deliberate, just 24 hours before Trump and Putin sit down in Alaska, to ensure the voices of Ukraine and its European allies are fresh in the American president’s mind. They said, Putin must prove serious about peace.
Zelensky, who received a red-carpet welcome at No. 10, was photographed walking through the rose garden with Starmer in a coordinated show of solidarity. In an unusual gesture for the typically reserved setting, Starmer accompanied Zelensky to his car, exchanging a hug and handshake, a clear visual statement of partnership.
Diplomatic Silence with Strategic Purpose
Interestingly, neither leader made public remarks to reporters after the meeting. According to insiders, this was intentional. Starmer has been careful in recent days to keep commentary minimal, allowing official statements to speak for themselves. This strategy avoids creating the perception of a rift with the United States while still firmly pushing for peace.
Sources say Downing Street’s primary objective this week has been to align with Trump on key points, ensuring that during his meeting with Putin, the US president carries Europe’s position forward with conviction.
Zelensky’s Message: Peace with Security Guarantees
Shortly after departing No. 10, Zelensky posted on social media describing the meeting as “good” and “productive.” He revealed that discussions covered long-term peace plans, including the types of security guarantees necessary to make a ceasefire sustainable.
“We also discussed in considerable detail the security guarantees that can make peace truly durable if the United States succeeds in pressing Russia to stop the killings and engage in genuine, substantive diplomacy,” Zelensky wrote.
He added that they explored future weapons partnerships, investments in drone production, and progress on the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement with the UK, which is expected to be ratified this month.
Starmer: Peace Hinges on Putin’s Actions
A statement from Downing Street made it clear: tomorrow’s meeting between Trump and Putin could mark a turning point, but only if Putin takes concrete steps and Putin must prove serious about peace.
The official line read: “These talks present a viable chance to make progress as long as Putin takes action to prove he is serious about peace.”
Putin’s Response and Russia’s Position
Meanwhile in Russia, Putin told senior officials that he welcomed Trump’s “energetic and sincere” attempts to end the war. He expressed hope for agreements “of interest to all sides” that could create “long-term conditions for peace” in Europe and beyond.
The Kremlin confirmed that Putin and Trump plan to hold a joint press conference after the Alaska talks. However, Trump told Fox News that this will only happen if the meeting is successful, and even gave it just a “25% chance” of producing meaningful results.
Trump: Give and Take, or Sanctions
Trump suggested that a successful meeting could lead to a follow-up session involving Zelensky. He also hinted that both sides would need to engage in a “give and take” over contested boundaries. Putin must prove serious about peace.
But Ukraine has repeatedly stated that ceding territory, including Crimea, is not negotiable. Russia, on the other hand, seeks to maintain control of seized areas and demands guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO.
Europe’s Message: Ceasefire Needs Security Guarantees
During a virtual call with European leaders after speaking with Trump, Starmer emphasized that a lasting ceasefire must come with firm security guarantees. He also noted that the coalition has “credible” military plans ready to respond if needed.
Economic pressure remains on the table too, with the possibility of further sanctions against Russia if progress stalls. Starmer credited Trump’s efforts for bringing momentum to the talks, but made it clear that unity among allies is key.
Caution from Intelligence Experts
Not everyone is convinced that Trump can deliver the breakthrough. Sir Alex Younger, former MI6 chief, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s true that Donald Trump is the only one who can solve this, but Putin is playing him.”
Younger warned that the US strategy of “resetting” relations with Russia is unrealistic, given Putin’s long-term goal of “total subjugation” of Ukraine.
The Road Ahead
As world leaders watch Friday’s Alaska meeting closely, one thing is certain, the pressure on Putin is mounting. Putin must prove serious about peace. The opportunity for a ceasefire exists, but the question remains: will Russia’s leader take the steps needed to prove he is serious about peace?
For now, Starmer, Zelensky, and their allies are betting on diplomacy, but preparing for all outcomes.
