Starmer discussed Ukraine with Western leaders before Putin-Trump talks

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has discussed the war in Ukraine with leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany, a 10 Downing Street spokesperson has said, in advance of US President Donald Trump’s planned call with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Monday.

The flurry of diplomacy comes shortly after inconclusive direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul, Turkiye on Friday.

The leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire and for Putin to take peace talks seriously, the spokesperson said late on Sunday, adding that they also raised the use of sanctions if Russia failed to engage seriously in a ceasefire and concerted peace talks.

Earlier, Trump wrote on the Truth Social network that he would have a conversation with Putin on May 19 at 10:00 a.m. (18:00 p.m. Yerevan time). Among the topics, the US president mentioned issues related to the Ukrainian settlement and trade.