Sat Mar 15 10:42:51 UTC 2025: ## UK Prime Minister Urges Continued Pressure on Putin for Ukraine Ceasefire

**London, March 15, 2025** – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on global leaders to maintain pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Addressing a virtual meeting of the “coalition of the willing” Saturday, Starmer emphasized the need for sustained pressure, stating that Putin will eventually have to negotiate.

The meeting, held virtually unlike its March 2nd predecessor, aims to coordinate international military and financial aid to Ukraine and explore support for future peacekeeping missions. Starmer stressed the importance of being prepared to monitor any ceasefire to ensure a lasting peace, while simultaneously escalating economic pressure if negotiations fail.

The absence of the United States, which has shifted its approach since President Donald Trump’s return to office, is notable. This shift, particularly evident after a February 28th clash between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has created a complex international dynamic.

While a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire has gained Zelenskyy’s support, and Putin has indicated support in principle, the Russian leader has attached numerous conditions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism following Putin’s meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday.

However, Starmer expressed less optimism, accusing Putin of playing delaying tactics. He criticized the Kremlin’s disregard for Trump’s ceasefire proposal, asserting that Putin lacks genuine commitment to peace.

The “coalition of the willing,” spearheaded by Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to encourage continued US support for Ukraine. This initiative has also spurred increased European defense spending to bolster regional security. Macron confirmed conversations with Zelenskyy and Starmer regarding progress at recent US-Ukraine talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which resulted in renewed US military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Despite Ukraine’s endorsement of the truce proposal, Russia’s recent battlefield gains suggest Putin may be hesitant to accept a ceasefire while holding an advantage. Starmer issued a direct appeal to the Kremlin to end hostilities and immediately agree to a ceasefire.

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