PM backs Zelensky's desire for a 'just and lasting peace'

'Coalition of willing' will join Ukraine leader at Trump talks

- MILLIE COOKE

Sir Keir Starmer hailed Volodymyr Zelensky’s desire for a “just and lasting peace” ahead of joining him alongside European leaders in Washington today for crucial talks with Donald Trump over the future of Ukraine.
The prime minister, along with France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Friedrich Merz, Finland’s Alexander Stubb, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte, will travel to the White House in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian leader, whose last visit to the Oval Office ended in a tumultuous spat with Mr Trump.

The show of support from the “coalition of the willing” comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country’s territory.

Russian president Vladimir Putin is understood to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for ending the war. In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, several news outlets said, attributing sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s negotiations in Alaska on Friday.

Steve Witkoff, the US president’s special envoy, said yesterday Mr Putin had agreed to Nato-like protection for Ukraine for the first time at the Alaska summit, despite initial fears that little progress had been made.