Keir Starmer has accused Vladimir Putin’s Russia of “playing games” to drag out Ukraine peace talks.
Speaking at a press conference in Paris, the PM said: “It’s clear the Russians are filibustering. They are playing games and they are playing for time – it is a classic from the Putin playbook.”
He said there should now be a “deadline” for the talks aimed at delivering peace in Ukraine, saying: “We should be setting a framework and a deadline of delivering real progress, and that we should hold them to that deadline”.
Mr Starmer said world leaders gathered at the Elysee Palace on Thursday had also agreed “now is not the time” to lift any sanctions on Russia – despite demands from Moscow.
“On the contrary, now is the time to increase sanctions on Russia to get them to the table on negotiations,” the PM said.
His comments came after he appeared at a gathering in Paris with the “coalition of the willing” – a group of leaders prepared to help police a potential peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv. Shorly aftet the meeting he appeared alongside wartime leader Zelensky and promised Kyiv would have the UK’s full support in a “crucial moment”.
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He also updated leaders at the Elysee Palace on progress in hammering out peacekeeping plans after 200 military planners met at Northwood in Hertfordshire last week. Military planning has looked at air land and sea forces to protect a ceasefire, including aircraft, tanks, troops, intelligence and logistics capabilities.
Mr Starmer told around 30 leaders all countries must come together to support Ukraine to remain in the fight and back US efforts to secure a peace deal. He told them: “Unlike President Zelenskyy, Putin has shown he’s not a serious player in these peace talks.
“Playing games with the agreed naval ceasefire in the Black Sea despite good faith participation from all sides – all while continuing to inflict devastating attacks on the Ukrainian people.
“His promises are hollow. The US is playing a leading role by convening the ceasefire talks, President Zelenskyy has demonstrated his commitment repeatedly, and Europe is stepping up to play its part to defend Ukraine’s future. Now Putin needs to show he’s willing to play ball.”
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