Starmer hails Ukraine ceasefire ‘breakthrough’ as defence chiefs meet for talks

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Sir Keir Starmer hailed Ukraine’s backing for American ceasefire proposals as a “outstanding breakthrough” because the Defence Secretary heads to Paris for talks to cement European peacekeeping efforts.

The Prime Minister joined America in urging Vladimir Putin to now conform to the 30-day ceasefire proposal put ahead by Donald Trump’s US administration, as he insisted the “ball is now within the Russian court docket”.

America additionally introduced it might instantly carry its suspension of navy help to Ukraine and its intelligence sharing with Kyiv, following talks between the 2 nations held in Saudi Arabia.

On Wednesday, Defence Secretary Mr Healey will meet his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and Poland in Paris to debate joint work on increase Europe’s deterrent in opposition to Russia.

It follows a gathering of navy chiefs within the French capital on Tuesday, aimed toward thrashing out commitments for what Sir Keir dubbed the “coalition of the prepared”: the group of countries that need to lead peacekeeping forces in Ukraine ought to a deal be struck.

Forward of the talks, Mr Healey mentioned it was now a “decisive second for the way forward for Ukraine and for the safety of Europe”.

He added: “The UK stays steadfast in its assist for Ukraine, and we’ll proceed to steer alongside our European companions as we push for a simply and lasting peace.

“European nations are stepping up. By deepening our defence co-operation, boosting spending and enhancing our collective power, we ship a transparent message: we is not going to waver in standing with Ukraine and defending our shared values.”

The Prime Minister congratulated Mr Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday evening for a “outstanding breakthrough”, after Kyiv signalled it might again Washington’s proposals for the ceasefire.

“As each American and Ukrainian delegations have mentioned, the ball is now within the Russian court docket. Russia should now conform to a ceasefire and an finish to the combating too,” Sir Keir added.

He echoed the phrases of Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, who instructed reporters within the Gulf state he hoped President Putin would now reply “as rapidly as potential”.

US President Mr Trump in the meantime mentioned American and Russian officers would meet “afterward as we speak and tomorrow” to debate the deal, including: “If we will get Russia to do it, that’ll be nice. If we will’t, we simply hold happening and persons are going to get killed, a lot of folks.”

Ukrainian chief Mr Zelensky mentioned “it’s as much as the US” to persuade Russia to additionally conform to the plan, and mentioned the ceasefire will “take impact instantly” if the Kremlin did.

In different developments:

– US particular envoy Steve Witkoff is predicted to journey to Moscow and put the deal on to President Putin.

– Nato secretary common Mark Rutte introduced he would journey to Washington, DC this week to debate Mr Trump’s dedication to the alliance.

– Kyiv got here underneath fireplace from a Russian air assault simply hours after Ukraine signalled it might assist the ceasefire deal.

– Russia mentioned it regained extra territory within the western Kursk area of the nation, which Ukrainian forces invaded final summer time in a bid to win a bargaining chip for future negotiations.