British Prime Minister Starmer Importantly Strengthens Ukraine's Position For Peaceful Talks Ending War

JAKARTA - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday it was important to increase support for Ukraine to put the country in the strongest position for peace talks, acknowledging clearly that war could end through negotiations.

"We must continue to support Ukraine and do whatever is necessary to support their self-defense as long as necessary," PM Starmer said in a speech at London's historic financial district.

"To put Ukraine in the strongest position possible for negotiations so that they can secure a just and lasting peace in accordance with the requirements of those who guarantee their security, independence and the right to choose their own future," he added.

On the other hand, PM Starmer warned that Russia's victory in Ukraine would threaten the security, stability and prosperity of Europe, especially as it could make Russian allies bolder.

PM Starmer's comments came at a crucial time in the war, with Russia progressing at the fastest rate since 2022, while US President-elect Donald Trump vowed to end the war immediately after he was sworn in on January 20.

Britain is known to be one of Ukraine's most vocal supporters since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, the first country to supply more sophisticated weapons to Ukraine, including combat tanks and long-range cruise missiles.

"This is the most obvious language, used by PM Starmer, which was elected in July, about the war with Russia ending in a negotiated settlement," a British government official told Reuters.

In previous comments, PM Starmer said the war should end with Russia leaving the internationally recognized Ukrainian border.

Trump's election has added to pressure on Europe to increase its role in arming Kyiv, if the United States, the largest individual donor, reduced its aid.

PM Starmer said it was "very important for all European countries to move forward to protect our common future", as "the future of freedom in Europe is being decided today".

"We face a danger that is close and real to Russia as an uncertain and increasingly desperate aggressor on our continent that mobilizes all of its resources - along with North Korean forces and Iranian missiles - aimed at killing and conquering," he said.