Healey hoping summit will be first step to peace

DONALD TRUMP and Vladimir Putin's summit on Ukraine could be a “first step towards serious negotiations” for peace, the Defence Secretary has suggested.

- PRESS ASSOCIATION REPORTERS

John Healey said the end to any conflict “must come from diplomacy”, before yesterday's meeting between the two leaders in Alaska.

European leaders have expressed hope about the prospect of a potential ceasefire after a joint call with US president Mr Trump earlier this week.

Mr Trump was seen boarding Air Force One to head to the summit around lunchtime UK time yesterday. He had earlier posted “HIGH STAKES!!!” on his TruthSocial platform.

Speaking to reporters on his way to the talks, he said there is a “possibility” of the US offering security guarantees to Kyiv alongside European powers, but “not in the form of Nato”.

He said it will be up to the Ukrainians to decide whether to concede land to Mr Putin as part of a peace deal, but added: “I think they'll make the proper decision.”

Mr Trump said he is “not here to negotiate for Ukraine”, adding: “I’m here to get them at a table.”