Starmer urges global unity as Russia refuses unconditional ceasefire; UK to host military talks for a lasting peace plan
London [UK], March 16 – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged the international community to exert “maximum pressure” on Russia, criticizing Vladimir Putin’s response to the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine as “not good enough.”
Speaking after a virtual meeting of the “Coalition of Willing”—a group of Western nations committed to supporting Ukraine—Starmer dismissed Russia’s conditional acceptance of the ceasefire, calling for stronger diplomatic and military action.
“Russia’s ‘yes, but’ is not good enough. We must collectively put pressure on Russia to end this conflict,” Starmer asserted.
A Push for Lasting Peace and Security
Starmer stressed that Russia’s ongoing aggression is not just a Ukrainian crisis, but a direct threat to global stability, impacting the UK and the wider world.
🔹 “Russia’s appetite for conflict and chaos undermines our security. It drives up the cost of living and energy prices. This matters deeply to the UK,” he stated.
🔹 “Now is the time to engage in serious discussions, not just for a temporary pause, but for a lasting peace backed by strong security arrangements,” Starmer added.
As part of this escalated diplomatic and military effort, the UK announced that Ukraine’s allied militaries will convene in the UK on Thursday to develop a robust peace strategy.
“Our military will meet here in the UK to put strong, decisive plans in place to support a peace deal. This is the moment to keep driving towards an outcome that ends the killing and secures lasting peace,” Starmer emphasized.
Putin’s Stance: Conditional Acceptance and New Demands
Despite the United States and Ukraine offering an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pushed for additional conditions, including a demand for Ukraine to order its soldiers to surrender as part of any agreement.
🔹 “We agree with the proposal to cease hostilities, but this must lead to a long-lasting peace that addresses the root causes of the crisis,” Putin said, reiterating the Kremlin’s stance that Ukraine’s government remains part of the “underlying problem.”
This hardened stance by Moscow has led to growing frustration among Western leaders, who see it as a tactic to prolong negotiations while continuing military operations.
The Road Ahead: Global Efforts to End the War
As tensions rise, Starmer’s call for unified diplomatic and military pressure on Russia signals a firm Western stance against continued aggression. The upcoming UK-led military discussions will play a key role in shaping the next phase of global intervention in the Ukraine conflict.
With Russia refusing an unconditional ceasefire, the world watches as diplomatic and military strategies intensify in an effort to end the war once and for all.