UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street this morning in a carefully co-ordinated show of support ahead of Friday’s crucial summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The high-visibility meeting at No 10 comes as Starmer expressed optimism about a “viable chance” of achieving a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, following a virtual conference yesterday between Trump, Zelensky and European leaders. The British Prime Minister described the talks as “very friendly” and confirmed Trump had committed to pressing Putin for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Trump issued a stark warning yesterday, threatening “severe consequences” against Russia if Putin refuses to agree to stop the war during their Friday meeting. Speaking at the Kennedy Center in Washington, the US President declined to specify whether consequences would include sanctions or tariffs, saying only: “I don’t have to say.”
European Unity Ahead of Alaska Summit
The Downing Street meeting represents a united European front as Western allies seek to maintain influence over peace negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed yesterday that Trump “was very clear on the fact that what the United States wants is to obtain a ceasefire during this meeting in Alaska.
Crucially, Macron added that Trump had assured European leaders “the territorial matters from Ukraine can and will only be negotiated by the Ukrainian president” – a significant commitment given concerns about Ukraine being sidelined in negotiations.
Starmer told reporters the group stands ready to implement comprehensive plans if a ceasefire is achieved, including security guarantees for Ukraine once hostilities cease. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force,” European leaders stated in a weekend joint declaration.
Zelensky’s Diplomatic Push
The Ukrainian President, speaking in Berlin yesterday after the virtual conference, warned that Putin is “bluffing” in pursuing peace. I told my colleagues, the US president and our European friends, that Putin definitely does not want peace. He wants the occupation of our country,” Zelensky stated.
Despite his scepticism, Zelensky confirmed discussions about the Alaska meeting, saying: “We hope that the central topic of the meeting will be a ceasefire. An immediate ceasefire.” He added that Trump had promised to contact him immediately after the Putin summit to discuss results and “determine the next mutual steps.
The Ukrainian leader continues to push for a three-way meeting between Russia, Ukraine and the United States, arguing it is “impossible to solve this without Ukraine.” This morning’s Downing Street meeting is expected to reinforce this message.
Trump’s Ultimatum and Leverage
The Alaska summit, announced last Friday, represents the culmination of Trump’s increasingly frustrated efforts to end the war. The US President had set Friday as his deadline for Putin to agree to a ceasefire or face secondary sanctions targeting countries that buy Russian oil.
Trump described the upcoming meeting as a “feel-out” session, claiming he would know “probably in the first two minutes” whether a deal is possible. I may say, ‘Lots of luck, keep fighting.’ Or I may say, ‘We can make a deal,'” he told reporters on Monday.
The President acknowledged that any peace agreement would likely involve “some swapping of territories” between Ukraine and Russia, a controversial prospect given Ukraine’s constitutional prohibition on ceding sovereign territory.
Putin’s Position and Demands
Russia’s stance remains hardline, with Deputy Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexei Fadeev stating yesterday that Moscow’s conditions remain unchanged: full withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from parts of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions still under Kyiv’s control, and Ukraine abandoning NATO membership plans.
The Kremlin has welcomed the Alaska summit, with aide Yuri Ushakov describing the location as “quite logical.” However, Putin has shown little sign of retreating from maximalist demands that would effectively mean Ukraine’s capitulation.
Pro-Kremlin analyst Sergei Markov suggested Putin might offer “a small gift to Donald Trump to keep Donald Trump in the peace process,” but acknowledged grand gestures were unlikely given Russia’s perceived battlefield superiority.
High Stakes for All Parties
William Taylor, former chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Ukraine, warned that Putin may try to “divert President Trump from Trump’s goal of stopping the war” by making promises without substance. Then, Putin continues to fight and continues to kill Ukrainians,” Taylor cautioned.
The summit carries significant risks for Trump, who faces domestic challenges with his approval rating dropping to 38 per cent according to recent polling. Among Trump voters, support for his handling of the Russia-Ukraine war stands at just 64 per cent, lower than approval for other policy areas.
For Putin, the meeting provides international legitimacy at a time when he faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes. President Trump — just by going to a meeting with Putin — is giving him legitimacy,” noted Michael McFaul, former US ambassador to Russia.
What Happens Next
Following this morning’s meeting with Zelensky, Starmer is expected to coordinate closely with European allies to present a united position ahead of Friday’s summit. The Prime Minister has emphasised that while the UK does not accept the US as “an unreliable ally,” European nations must “step up” to help achieve lasting peace.
Trump confirmed he would hold further consultations with European leaders and Zelensky before the Alaska meeting, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday. The US President said he would contact Zelensky immediately after meeting Putin, adding: “Out of respect I’ll call him first.
The stakes could not be higher as the war approaches its fourth year, with Russia slowly advancing at great cost whilst relentlessly bombarding Ukrainian cities. Whether Friday’s summit can break the deadlock remains to be seen, but this morning’s Downing Street meeting underscores Britain’s determination to ensure Ukraine’s voice is heard in any peace process.
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Image Credit (Shortened):
Keir Starmer meets President Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at 10 Downing Street (10 Oct 2024) – by Kirsty O’Connor / No 10 Downing Street, licensed under OGL v3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
