UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described recent ceasefire talks in Kyiv as a “significant moment” in efforts to end the war in Ukraine, while acknowledging that it is only a step forward,

not the final resolution.

Speaking to the BBC after a virtual summit of the "coalition of the willing," Starmer emphasized the rare level of unity among Ukraine’s allies. “We haven’t seen unity like this throughout the conflict,” he said.

Roughly 30 global leaders jointly urged Russia to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday, warning of “massive” new sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors if it refuses.

The meeting, hosted by Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky, included leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Others, including Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Canadian PM Mark Carney, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, joined remotely.

Following the talks, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly spoke with Starmer and reaffirmed support for the ceasefire demand, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin rejecting a similar proposal in March. According to Starmer, Trump was “absolutely clear that this is a demand that must be met.”

Starmer said progress had been made, noting both the unified call for a ceasefire and the coordinated response if Russia refuses. “It’s not the end of the process, but it is a significant moment. We need to build on it,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of coordinated sanctions on Russian oil and assets, saying they could have a “material” impact.

The Kremlin dismissed the Kyiv proposal as “contradictory” and “confrontational.” Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a ceasefire would only be considered if Ukraine’s allies halted weapons deliveries—an idea European leaders firmly rejected. However, he later added that Moscow would “think about” the proposal.

The Kyiv summit came one day after over 20 world leaders attended Russia’s World War Two Victory Day parade in Moscow. Attendees included Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Starmer contrasted that event with the Kyiv gathering, calling it a “symbolic show of unity” for democratic values. “Eighty years on from VE Day, it was important to be here to stand for the same values now being defended in Ukraine,” he said.

Addressing global instability, including Middle East conflicts and India-Pakistan tensions, Starmer acknowledged the world is entering a more unpredictable era. But he insisted his focus remains on action. “It doesn’t keep me up at night. I focus on what I can do—bringing people together, making progress, preparing for what’s next.”

The UK and France formed the "coalition of the willing" to support a future peace deal with Ukraine, including security guarantees and potential peacekeeping forces. Photo by Francisco Anzola, Wikimedia commons.