Sat Mar 15 16:02:56 UTC 2025: ## International Coalition Presses for Ukraine Ceasefire as Fighting Continues
**London/Kyiv** – A virtual summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday brought together 26 world leaders to discuss strengthening support for Ukraine and securing a ceasefire. Starmer placed the onus on Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that any peace hinges on Russia ending its attacks and agreeing to a truce. He highlighted Ukraine’s commitment to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, contrasting it with what he described as Putin’s delaying tactics.
The summit, building on a coalition initiated by Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to create a force capable of securing any ceasefire agreement. Military chiefs will meet again Thursday to move into the operational phase. While Starmer reported increased international resolve and new commitments, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated Italy’s unwillingness to contribute ground troops. The UK leader welcomed support in other capacities, such as logistics or surveillance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed Starmer’s assessment, asserting that Russia seeks military gains before any ceasefire. He denied Russian claims of encirclement of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, where Russia reported advances. Overnight, Ukraine’s air force reportedly shot down 130 Iranian-made drones.
The proposed ceasefire, initially suggested by a US team, has been met with a string of demands from Russia, prompting criticism from several Western leaders. The EU’s Ursula von der Leyen and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called for continued pressure on Russia to negotiate. Germany and France also criticized Russia’s response as a delaying tactic. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism about a potential truce. Despite these efforts, fighting continues intensely in eastern Ukraine.
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