Starmer and Zelensky Discuss Ceasefire Progress and Plans for Post-Conflict Multinational Force
UK and Ukrainian leaders align on peace efforts, including potential deployment of international forces once a ceasefire is achieved
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a substantive telephone conversation to coordinate ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and to explore the establishment of a multinational force to support stability following the cessation of hostilities.
The call underscored shared endorsement of continued diplomatic engagement and aligned with recent United States-led initiatives aimed at brokering a just and lasting peace.
Starmer highlighted his welcome for national security adviser-level discussions convened in Kyiv and expressed eagerness to build on that work at an upcoming leaders’ meeting in Paris.
Both leaders affirmed support for the United States’ continued push for a peaceful resolution.
Zelensky described the exchange as positive, noting that the dialogue covered the Kyiv security talks and broader diplomatic efforts.
He also reiterated Ukraine’s interest in the release and use of frozen assets from the sale of Chelsea Football Club, asserting that they could play a significant role in bolstering Ukraine’s recovery and protecting lives in the aftermath of Russian strikes.
The British government’s statement confirmed that discussions included steps to ensure that a multinational force could be ready to deploy to Ukraine in the immediate aftermath of a ceasefire, reflecting wider European and U.S. proposals for post-conflict security arrangements.
Starmer also welcomed the appointment of Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov as head of Ukraine’s Office of the President and expressed his intention to work closely with him.
The dialogue took place against a backdrop of active multinational engagements, including a statement by European nations backing a multinational force to secure peace in Ukraine and support its defense, as well as planned security guarantee talks involving allied governments.
Both leaders emphasized the urgency of sustained diplomatic and security cooperation to pave the way for a durable end to the war and to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term recovery.
The call underscored shared endorsement of continued diplomatic engagement and aligned with recent United States-led initiatives aimed at brokering a just and lasting peace.
Starmer highlighted his welcome for national security adviser-level discussions convened in Kyiv and expressed eagerness to build on that work at an upcoming leaders’ meeting in Paris.
Both leaders affirmed support for the United States’ continued push for a peaceful resolution.
Zelensky described the exchange as positive, noting that the dialogue covered the Kyiv security talks and broader diplomatic efforts.
He also reiterated Ukraine’s interest in the release and use of frozen assets from the sale of Chelsea Football Club, asserting that they could play a significant role in bolstering Ukraine’s recovery and protecting lives in the aftermath of Russian strikes.
The British government’s statement confirmed that discussions included steps to ensure that a multinational force could be ready to deploy to Ukraine in the immediate aftermath of a ceasefire, reflecting wider European and U.S. proposals for post-conflict security arrangements.
Starmer also welcomed the appointment of Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov as head of Ukraine’s Office of the President and expressed his intention to work closely with him.
The dialogue took place against a backdrop of active multinational engagements, including a statement by European nations backing a multinational force to secure peace in Ukraine and support its defense, as well as planned security guarantee talks involving allied governments.
Both leaders emphasized the urgency of sustained diplomatic and security cooperation to pave the way for a durable end to the war and to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term recovery.
