UK renews call for unconditional ceasefire after deadly Russian attack on Kyiv
In the wake of a devastating overnight assault on Kyiv that left at least nine dead and over 70 injured, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has branded Russian President Vladimir Putin the clear “aggressor” in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
The attack, widely condemned by British officials, has reignited pressure on the Kremlin to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The renewed push from the UK government came as US President Donald Trump controversially claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was obstructing peace efforts.
Speaking from Bristol, Sir Keir Starmer didn’t mince his words. “I think it’s a real reminder that Russia is the aggressor here and that is being felt by the Ukrainians, as it has been felt for three long years now,” he said.
He stressed the importance of securing a lasting ceasefire and highlighted the significance of ongoing diplomatic talks.
“Obviously, we had talks in London this week, Paris last week. We’re making progress towards the ceasefire. It’s got to be a lasting ceasefire,” Starmer added.
“But these attacks – these awful attacks – are a real, human reminder of who is the aggressor here and the cost to the Ukrainian people.”
The remarks followed a deadly Russian missile strike on Kyiv, which also prompted President Volodymyr Zelensky to urgently return to the capital. Read the full report on Zelensky’s return to Kyiv after the missile strike here.
The comments follow Trump’s remarks that seemed to shift blame toward Zelensky. Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of complicating negotiations due to his firm stance against recognising Russia’s claim over Crimea.
Trump’s Mixed Messaging
Despite his earlier criticism of Zelensky, Trump later condemned the Russian strikes himself.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, the US president wrote: “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, Stop! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal Done!”
Trump’s dual stance has raised eyebrows, particularly as the US administration is reportedly urging Ukraine to concede Crimea and other occupied regions as part of a potential peace deal.
UK Holds Firm on Ukraine’s Sovereignty
In Parliament, Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty reaffirmed the UK’s position.
“The UK’s position regarding Ukrainian sovereignty is well known and our position has not changed, and we do not recognise Russian sovereignty over any territory illegally seized from Ukraine, including Crimea,” he told MPs.
Doughty condemned the latest missile and drone strikes, describing the scenes as “absolutely horrific.” He noted that recent talks in London – involving the UK, US, France, Germany, and Ukraine – were “productive,” with “significant progress” made.
However, the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio from Wednesday’s talks, which led to their downgrade to technical discussions, cast a shadow over the progress.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel voiced her concerns: “For all the talks that are taking place, it is concerning that a clear, unified front in support of Ukraine, which secures a peace on their terms, has yet to emerge.”
No.10 Downing Street was quick to clarify its stance amid the international tension. The Prime Minister’s spokesman stated: “We share President Trump’s desire to bring this barbaric war to an end and we are, as you saw in the talks yesterday in London, working closely with the US and other international partners to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
But we have been clear it remains the case that how and on what terms that war comes to end can only be decided by Ukraine.”
As the international community navigates a tense diplomatic maze, the UK remains resolute in its support for Ukraine. While calls for peace intensify, British leaders are firm – any resolution must be shaped by Kyiv, not imposed externally.
