‘Russia only barrier to peace’: UK’s Starmer and Ukraine’s Zelenskyy back Trump’s new deadline for Putin

The United States and its allies have imposed heavy sanctions on Moscow, while military and humanitarian support for Ukraine has continued.

The two leaders spoke by phone on Friday. During the call, they welcomed Trump’s move and said it was time for Russia to stop delaying peace efforts. (File Photo)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s new deadline for Russia to take steps toward ending its war in Ukraine, Reuters reported.

The two leaders spoke by phone on Friday. During the call, they welcomed Trump’s move and said it was time for Russia to stop delaying peace efforts.

“Both leaders welcomed the President’s new deadline on Russia to stop their stalling tactics and make meaningful progress on a peace deal,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said, according to Reuters.

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“It was clear Russia was the only barrier to peace, the leaders agreed,” she added.

Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. Despite several rounds of talks and international pressure, the conflict has continued, with large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine remaining under Russian control.

The United States and its allies have imposed heavy sanctions on Moscow, while military and humanitarian support for Ukraine has continued.

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Donald Trump wants a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine by August 8, a senior American diplomat told the UN Security Council on Thursday.

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“Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear this must be done by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace,” Kelley told the 15-member council.

Russian and Ukrainian diplomats met in Istanbul last week, but their discussions yielded little beyond an agreement on a prisoner exchange. Ukraine proposed a high-level summit by the end of August between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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