Keir: Let the guns fall silent

Putin 'delaying' as blitz goes on

- BY MIKEY SMITH Deputy Political Editor

KEIR Starmer called on Russia to “let the guns fall silent” yesterday and accused Vladimir Putin of delaying peace.

The Prime Minister said our allies must be prepared to strengthen Ukraine in case talks fell apart.

And military planning to protect a potential ceasefire is moving to an “operational phase”.

The PM was speaking at a press conference after a virtual meeting with 29 other world leaders.

It follows Ukraine agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire following talks with the US after three years of war.

Russia's president said he agrees with the idea in principle but has insisted on a string of tough conditions. Mr Starmer attacked the “Kremlin's dithering and delay” and its continued bombardment of Ukraine.

"Sooner or later, Putin will have to come to the table,” he told a press conference.

“So, this is the moment, let the guns fall silent, let the barbaric attacks on Ukraine, once and for all, stop and agree to a ceasefire now.”

Military chiefs will meet in the UK on Thursday “to put strong and robust plans in place to swing in behind a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine's future security”, he said.