British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday that discussions about Ukraine’s future cannot take place without Ukraine’s direct involvement. His statement comes ahead of a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump this week, where global security and the ongoing war in Ukraine are expected to be key topics.
“You cannot decide Ukraine’s future without Ukraine,” Starmer told the Scottish Labour Party conference in Glasgow. “Nobody wants the bloodshed to continue, least of all the Ukrainians, but they must have a long-term secure future.”
UK’s Firm Position on Ukraine
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western nations have supported Ukraine with military aid and sanctions against Russia. The United Kingdom has provided weapons, training, and financial assistance, reinforcing its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Starmer reaffirmed that Britain will not back any negotiations that exclude Ukrainian leadership. His comments align with NATO allies, who have consistently stated that peace talks must involve Ukraine.
His remarks also serve as a response to growing concerns over Trump’s position on the war. Trump has repeatedly questioned U.S. military aid to Ukraine, suggesting that European nations should take on more responsibility.
Concerns Over U.S. Policy Shift
Trump’s return to the White House has raised uncertainty about future U.S. involvement in Ukraine. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he suggested he could end the war quickly, though he did not provide details on how.
European leaders worry that a reduction in U.S. aid could weaken Ukraine’s defense. Ukraine relies on Western military support to resist Russian advances, making continued assistance critical to its survival.
Starmer’s statement signals that the UK will continue supporting Ukraine regardless of U.S. policy changes. Britain has been one of Ukraine’s strongest allies, pledging billions of dollars in aid since the war began.
Ukraine’s Role in Diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently rejected peace talks that do not include Ukraine. He has stated that any deal made without Ukraine’s input would not be legitimate and would only benefit Russia.
“You cannot negotiate on behalf of a country without its involvement,” Zelensky said in a recent address. “Ukraine must have a say in its own future.”
Western allies, including the UK, have backed this stance. They argue that excluding Ukraine from talks would undermine its sovereignty and reward Russian aggression.
The Human Cost of the War
The war has caused immense destruction in Ukraine, displacing millions and devastating cities. The United Nations estimates that over 10,000 civilians have been killed, though the actual number is likely higher.
Economic damage has been severe, with Ukraine’s GDP shrinking by over 30% in the first year of the invasion. Infrastructure damage is estimated to cost hundreds of billions of dollars to repair.
The conflict has also strained global economies, affecting energy supplies and food prices. Russia and Ukraine are major grain exporters, and the war has disrupted shipments worldwide.
Starmer’s Message to Allies
Starmer’s comments reflect the UK’s long-term stance on Ukraine. His upcoming meeting with Trump will be crucial in shaping Western policy on the war.
The UK has continued to send military aid, including tanks, missiles, and drones. British officials have also called for tougher sanctions on Russia to pressure its economy.
“You cannot ignore the people who have suffered the most in this war,” Starmer said. “They must have a voice in what happens next.”
His remarks reinforce the message that any future negotiations must include Ukraine. The meeting with Trump will test whether the UK and U.S. remain aligned on supporting Ukraine’s war efforts.
