UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that Russia does “not hold all the cards” as peace talks over the war in Ukraine begin, emphasizing that Moscow’s economy is struggling under the weight of its prolonged invasion. Speaking ahead of a major sanctions announcement by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Starmer asserted that the new measures would not only force Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate but also compel him to make concessions.
“These will be the largest package of sanctions since the early days of the war,” Starmer said, adding that the measures will target Russia’s shadow fleet as well as Chinese firms supplying military components. The Prime Minister’s remarks came during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, told The Mirror.
Praising Zelensky’s leadership, Starmer shared a striking message from a patient he met during a visit to Kyiv’s burns unit. “He said to me, ‘If Ukraine fails, Europe will be next.’ And that is what is at stake here,” Starmer recalled. “That is why we will always stand with Ukraine and our allies against this aggression and for a just and lasting peace.”
Starmer stressed that Ukraine’s resilience, combined with Russia’s economic difficulties and military losses, means Moscow is not in control of the outcome. “This is a time for unity. In this crucial moment, as talks begin, we must work together to shape the outcome,” he said. “Russia does not hold all the cards in this war, because the Ukrainians have the courage to defend their country, because Russia’s economy is in trouble, and because they have now lost the best of their land forces and their Black Sea Fleet in this pointless invasion.”
Later this week, Starmer is set to travel to Washington for his first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump since the Republican leader’s return to the Oval Office. Addressing European leaders and Zelensky, Starmer acknowledged that Trump had “changed the global conversation” around the war.
“It has created an opportunity. Now we must get the fundamentals right. If we want peace to endure, Ukraine must have a seat at the table, and any settlement must be based on a sovereign Ukraine backed up with strong security guarantees,” he said.
“The UK is ready and willing to support this with troops on the ground, with other Europeans, and with the right conditions in place. Ultimately, a US backstop will be vital to deter Russia from launching another invasion in just a few years’ time. So we will do everything we can to get the best outcome for Ukraine and for us all.”
Starmer also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine following tensions between the US and the UK over the war. Trump recently criticized Zelensky and blindsided European leaders by excluding Ukraine from key negotiations with Russia. The Prime Minister dismissed concerns about the UK’s support wavering.
“I have a very simple, clear message today: the UK is with you. Today and every day,” he declared. “From His Majesty the King to the NHS workers volunteering in hospitals in Ukraine to the communities that took Ukrainian refugees to their heart.” He also pointed to Britain’s long-term commitment to Ukraine, referencing a newly signed partnership with Zelensky.
“That’s why I signed our 100-year partnership with President Zelensky last month—because we believe in Ukraine’s fight today and the country’s incredible potential to thrive in the years to come.”
