Moscow must prove that it is serious about peace, say Starmer and Zelensky

Prime minister and Ukrainian leader put on a united front at No 10 on eve of crunch Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage

- KATE DEVLIN WHITEHALL EDITOR

Sir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky are united in their “strong resolve” to secure a just peace in Ukraine ahead of the summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

After a meeting at No 10, the prime minister and the Ukrainian president expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of a truce “as long as Putin takes action to prove he is serious” about ending the war, Downing Street said.

On the eve of today's summit in Alaska, Mr Trump said the talks with Putin will be followed by a “more important” second meeting with the Russian leader and Mr Zelensky. He also hinted that European leaders, such as Sir Keir, could be involved.

He added: “I think President Putin will make peace. I think President Zelensky will make peace. We'll see if they can get along. And if they can, it will be great.”

The exclusion of Mr Zelensky from the summit raised fears that the Russian and US leaders will try to decide the end of the war themselves, to the detriment of Ukraine, and put Europe's future security in jeopardy.