Sir Keir Starmer is concentrated on a “sturdy peace”, Downing Avenue has stated, after Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine dismissed his “coalition of the prepared” plan.
Steve Witkoff – who’s main the US ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine and Russia – described the prime minister’s idea as “posture and pose” and accused him of adopting the “simplistic” notion that leaders “have all acquired to be like Winston Churchill”.
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Pushed by the UK and France, the “coalition of the willing” may see troops from plenty of European and NATO nations deployed to Ukraine as peacekeepers after a ceasefire with a purpose to deter Vladimir Putin from launching additional assaults on its neighbour.
Steve Witkoff. File pic: Reuters
Sir Keir’s official spokesman defended the thought following Mr Witkoff’s feedback, saying the PM remained “centered on the end result of sturdy peace in Ukraine” and that he was engaged on the “planning part” of the coalition.
He would not be drawn on whether or not the remarks have been mentioned in a telephone name between the prime minister and Mr Trump on Sunday evening.
He stated the main focus of their dialog was an “financial deal” with the US, however “we’re partaking with the US in any respect ranges on Ukraine”.
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Mr Witkoff made the feedback in an interview with pro-Trump journalist Tucker Carlson.
He advised Mr Carlson he not too long ago met with the Russian president in Moscow and “preferred” him.
“I do not regard Putin as a nasty man. I believed that he was straight up with me,” he stated.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the prime minister’s “diplomatic efforts” in bringing collectively European leaders after being proven the clip on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
She stated she was not “postpone” by Mr Witkoff’s feedback and any ceasefire “must be enforced” – and that is what Sir Keir was centered on.
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Lib Dem chief Sir Ed Davey was extra direct in his criticism, saying: “Trump’s so-called ‘particular’ envoy may dismiss British management as pointless posturing, however we all know what it truly is.
“Britain main in Europe once more, as we have now accomplished within the best moments of our nation’s historical past.”
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Greater than 30 nations now stand able to implement a peace deal in Ukraine as a part of the “coalition of the prepared”, Downing Avenue stated final week.
This features a “important quantity” of nations that can present troops on the bottom, whereas others are able to contribute logistics and background assist.
Ceasefire talks aiming to finish the battle in Ukraine began today in Saudi Arabia, and each nations are anticipated to carry oblique talks mediated by the US.
The hope is that each side will agree on pausing long-range assaults on vitality services and civilian infrastructure.
