Ukraine's Allies Agree to Step Up Economic Pressure on Russia

"If Putin is serious about peace, it's very simple: he has to stop his barbaric attacks on Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire," Starmer said earlier

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LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said some 25 allied leaders agreed on Saturday to keep tightening restrictions on Russia's economy in an effort to draw President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table to secure a cease-fire in its war with Ukraine.

"The effects of the sanctions on the Russian economy have been pretty profound," Starmer told reporters at a press conference in London.

"We shouldn't underestimate the impact they've already had and by doubling down and increasing sanctions, that will cause even more pressure."

Following a call with fellow leaders, Starmer said Western nations are gathering political and military momentum, and after additional commitments toward a post-conflict Ukraine were made, they're now moving to the "operational phase" of arriving at security guarantees for the nation, some three years after Russia's invasion of its neighbour.

Allied military chiefs will meet on Thursday for further talks, he said.

"It's really important at this point that we put maximum pressure on Russia," Starmer said.