M10news — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks, stating that he will “sooner or later” have to “come to the table.” His remarks came as he opened a virtual meeting of the so-called “coalition of the willing” to rally support for Ukraine.
The meeting involved around 25 countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
During the summit, Mr Starmer told participating leaders that discussions would focus on three key points:
- Strengthening Ukraine
- Defending any future peace deal through the coalition
- Maintaining pressure on Russia
He praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for agreeing to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, calling Ukraine the “party of peace.”
“Putin is the one delaying peace,” Mr Starmer said. “If Putin is serious about peace, he must end his barbaric attacks on Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire. The world is watching.”
Thank you @Keir_Starmer for hosting the leaders' meeting today.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 15, 2025
We reiterate our support to Ukraine’s agreement to a ceasefire.
Now Russia has to show that it is willing to support a ceasefire leading to a just and lasting peace.
In the meantime, we will support strengthening…
Following the meeting, Mr Starmer stated that leaders agreed the “ball was now in Russia’s court” and called on President Putin to prove his commitment to peace by signing a ceasefire agreement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Russia must demonstrate its willingness to support a ceasefire for a “just and lasting peace.”
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was unable to attend the summit as he remained in Washington for St Patrick’s Day events. Although Mr Martin has stopped short of confirming Ireland’s participation in the coalition of the willing, he said the Government would consider deploying Irish troops if a peace deal is reached — but not as part of a deterrent force.
It is understood that security concerns prevented the Taoiseach from joining the virtual summit.
