Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed he will engage in discussions with former US President Donald Trump regarding his contentious peace proposal for Ukraine within the coming days. This development occurs as Kyiv's allies express significant reservations about the American-drafted framework.
International Scrutiny of US Peace Proposal
The diplomatic activity intensifies as US, Ukrainian and European national security advisers prepare to convene in Switzerland on Sunday to examine the detailed provisions of the 28-point plan. Sir Keir anticipates speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, preceding these crucial multilateral discussions.
Following their meeting at the Johannesburg G20 summit, international leaders issued a joint statement describing Washington's proposal, which was secretly negotiated with Moscow, as merely "a basis which will require additional work." The Labour leader and other Western allies have voiced particular concern about elements that would require Kyiv to limit its military capabilities, surrender territory, and abandon its NATO membership aspirations.
Security Guarantees and Diplomatic Timelines
Sir Keir emphasised to reporters in Johannesburg that allies share concerns about proposed military restrictions, stating: "We are concerned about caps on military because it's fundamental that Ukraine has to be able to defend itself if there's a ceasefire."
Despite these reservations, the Prime Minister noted that the inclusion of an Article Five security guarantee - NATO's mutual defence provision - reinforces his belief that President Trump seeks a "just and lasting peace." He described this as "about the strongest guarantee that can be put forward."
The diplomatic process faces time pressure, with Mr Trump having requested a response from Ukraine by Thursday, though suggesting flexibility on this deadline. When questioned about the feasibility of this timeline, Sir Keir responded: "Obviously, I think it should be done as soon as possible, but it's got to be a just and lasting peace, and so we've got to get it right."
Geneva Talks and Ukrainian Position
The upcoming meeting in Geneva will involve senior US personnel, European national security advisers including UK representative Jonathan Powell, and Ukrainian officials. Mr Powell reportedly departed the G20 summit in South Africa early to attend these critical discussions.
President Zelensky, in a video address to his nation, assured that Ukrainian representatives attending the Switzerland talks "know how to protect Ukrainian national interests" and understand what measures are necessary to prevent future Russian aggression. The Ukrainian leader emphasised that "real peace is always based on security and justice," underscoring his government's fundamental requirements for any settlement.
The 28-point plan was developed through negotiations between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin representative Kirill Dmitriev, notably excluding Ukrainian and European officials from the initial drafting process. Mr Witkoff and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to represent American interests at the Geneva talks.
