British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has affirmed that supporting Ukraine remains the U.K.'s top priority at the upcoming G20 summit, ruling out any plans for direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Starmer's stance comes in the wake of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent conversation with Putin, marking the first publicized dialogue between a Western leader and the Russian President in nearly two years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disapproval of the call, suggesting that such interactions could potentially diminish Russia's isolation on the global stage. Concerns have been raised among Ukraine's allies regarding the potential impact of the incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously raised questions about American aid to Kyiv and expressed admiration for Putin.
Starmer emphasized the need for unwavering support for Ukraine, particularly in light of the approaching 1,000th day since the conflict began. He highlighted the continuous Russian aggression and the significant toll it has taken on the Ukrainian population. Recent reports of North Korean troops collaborating with Russian forces have further escalated concerns, prompting a call for intensified backing for Ukraine.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the U.K. has allocated a substantial amount of aid, totaling 12.8 billion pounds ($16.15 billion), to support Ukraine in its ongoing struggle. Starmer's firm commitment to standing by Ukraine underscores the collective effort required from allies to address the challenges posed by the conflict and ensure the well-being of the Ukrainian people.
