In a readout of a call between Sir Keir and the Ukrainian president on Saturday, a Number 10 spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s ironclad support for Ukraine and commitment to securing a just and enduring peace to bring an end to Russia’s illegal war.
“Ahead of the three-year anniversary of Russia’s barbaric illegal war, they discussed the need to secure a just and enduring peace in Ukraine, and agreed that Europe must step up for the good of collective European security,” a Downing Street spokesperson said of his meeting with Ms von der Leyen.
Sir Keir Starmer has told Volodymyr Zelensky Ukraine must be at the heart of any peace negotiations in its war with Russia, adding that he would discuss the importance of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty in talks with Donald Trump next week.
Mr Macron has said he intends to tell his American counterpart not to “be weak” in the face of Russian president Vladimir Putin while Sir Keir is also facing pressure to take a firm line when he meets Mr Trump.
“The Prime Minister repeated that Ukraine must be at the heart of any negotiations to end the war and that safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty was essential to deter future aggression from Russia.
