Downing Street said Keir Starmer said Ukraine’s future cannot be decided behind closed doors – and it was on an ‘irreversible path to NATO membership – in a call this morning
Keir Starmer has told Volodymyr Zelensky “there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine” amid fears that Donald Trump is negotiating with Vladimir Putin behind closed doors.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s “concrete” support for Ukraine for “as long as it’s needed” in a call with the Ukrainian President this morning. A spokeswoman said the PM reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an “irreversible” path to Nato membership – after the US appeared to rule it out.
It comes as G7 ministers gather for the Munich Security Conference today, with the war in Ukraine expected to dominate the agenda. The US President said he had agreed to start negotiations with Russia to end the war after a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with Putin earlier this week.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Ukraine’s goal of joining Nato was not “a realistic outcome” before rowing back after a major backlash from Europe and Washington. Britain supports letting Ukraine join the defence alliance.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning. The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed.
“He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine. Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the UK to step up, he added.
“The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to NATO, as agreed by Allies at the Washington Summit last year.
“Discussing the upcoming third anniversary of Ukraine’s courageous defence of its sovereignty in the face of Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed that it would be an important moment to demonstrate international unity and support for Ukraine.
“The leaders also reflected on the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv last month, and the President updated on his plans at Munich Security Conference. They agreed to stay in close contact.”
President Zelensky said he had a good conversation with Mr Starmer where he thanked him for the UK’s support. He said: “I informed Prime Minister Starmer about my discussion with President Trump and contacts with the American side. The Ukrainian and American teams must work together with Europeans and all our global partners to achieve concrete results.
“The security of each nation depends on strengthening our collective security. It is crucial that every new week brings tangible results that will ensure a lasting and reliable peace. We also discussed an action plan for the near future to shape a common strategy on security, economic cooperation, and political partnership.”
