Ukraine Needs Security Guarantees as Putin’s Ambitions ‘Are Barely Disguised,’ Says UK’s Starmer- wna24

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is “not entirely surprised” by Russia’s apparent rejection of the U.S.-led ceasefire proposal, emphasizing the need for continued pressure on Moscow and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Speaking on The News Agents podcast, Starmer stressed that Russia’s stance had been clear for some time. “They’ve made it pretty clear. They put it in lights a number of times over,” he said.

Starmer acknowledged that progress had been made in the ceasefire negotiations earlier in the week, but he noted that the burden was now on Russia to respond. “I think progress was made on Tuesday, and I always felt that and hoped that out of Tuesday that would put the ball in the Russian court, if you like, where the pressure would come on Russia. That has now happened,” said Starmer. 

“That is a good thing, because Russia is the aggressor,” he said. “Russia is the country that, where there had been previous deals and agreements, [it] has not honoured those.”

He warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions remain a serious threat. “We know that Putin has ambitions that are barely disguised,” Starmer said, calling for a strategy that ensures lasting peace while protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

Starmer highlighted the importance of securing a deal that is not only agreed upon but also enforced. “We’ve had a deal before, and it’s not been maintained, because Russia just breaches the line,” he said.

Referring to Russia’s opposition to Ukraine receiving additional security guarantees, Starmer argued that Putin’s reluctance was telling. “If you don’t intend to breach the deal, you wouldn’t have too many problems with guarantees for the deal,” he said. “And we know that in the past, he’s breached the deal.”

Looking ahead, Starmer said his priority was to collaborate with allies to ensure a sustainable resolution. “What we need to do now is work with our allies, work with the U.S., work with Ukraine,” he said. He also mentioned a meeting scheduled for Saturday, where world leaders will discuss further steps.

Starmer’s comments come as Western nations weigh their next moves in pressuring Russia, ensuring Ukraine’s security, and seeking a peace deal that can be upheld in the long term.