Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is engaging in crucial discussions with Ukraine's international partners at the G20 summit in Johannesburg this Saturday, aiming to reinforce a controversial American-drafted blueprint to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Western Powers Scramble to Respond to US Proposal
Western nations are urgently coordinating their response to the 28-point peace agreement, which was reportedly negotiated secretly between Washington and Moscow without involving Kyiv or European allies. The proposal would require Ukraine to make significant concessions, including surrendering territory and reducing its military capacity.
The Prime Minister initiated the diplomatic efforts with a 25-minute meeting featuring French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This gathering subsequently expanded to include leaders from numerous G7 and G20 nations, representing Japan, Canada, Italy, Norway, and the European Union.
Diplomatic Manoeuvring Amidst Continued Conflict
Before the summit sessions, where media access remains restricted, Sir Keir stated: "Ukraine's friends and partners will meet in the margins of the G20 summit to discuss how we can secure a full ceasefire and create the space for meaningful peace negotiations."
He emphasised that participants would "discuss the current proposal on the table, and in support of President Trump's push for peace, look at how we can strengthen this plan for the next phase of negotiations."
The Prime Minister sharply criticised Moscow's ongoing military actions, noting that Russia had launched nearly 1,000 drones and 54 precision-guided missiles in just the past week. "There is only one country around the G20 table that is not calling for a ceasefire," he remarked pointedly.
International Reactions and Strategic Partnerships
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who like US President Donald Trump is absent from the gathering of world economic leaders, offered cautious approval of the American initiative on Friday. He suggested the plan "could form the basis of a final peace settlement" but noted it hadn't been substantially discussed with Russian officials, possibly because Washington hadn't secured Ukrainian agreement.
The developments follow a tense 40-minute call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the European leaders, during which the Western officials stressed that Ukraine "must determine its future under its sovereignty."
Mr Zelensky had earlier told his nation in a video address that Ukraine faced "one of the most difficult moments" in its history, confronting a choice between "losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner."
Meanwhile, President Trump told Fox News Radio he expects Ukraine's response to the peace plan by Thursday, though he suggested a potential extension might be possible. The American leader is boycotting the November 22-23 summit over controversial claims about white persecution in South Africa.
Downing Street representatives, when questioned about strengthening Washington's proposals, declined to "get ahead of those discussions" but rejected suggestions that allies viewed the plan as weak. They also denied that Britain had been excluded from Mr Trump's peace negotiations, highlighting the "excellent relationship" between UK and US leadership.
Amidst the diplomatic efforts, the Prime Minister's attendance at the G20—occurring just days before an expected tax-raising Budget and despite the American president's absence—has been defended by Number 10. Officials stress he is using the summit to bolster support for Kyiv and secure business agreements.
In a significant economic announcement, Sir Keir will reveal a £4 billion maritime agreement during discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday. This defence programme, led by British firm Babcock, will see the two nations jointly develop capabilities for Indonesia's navy, creating approximately 1,000 jobs in Rosyth, Bristol, and Plymouth.
