G7 allies will discuss further sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin does not agree to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Speaking last night en route to the G7 summit in Canada, the prime minister said the conference is an opportunity to have a broad conversation with allies about global security in a “constructive way”.
His comments come as efforts by the US president to bring Russia and Ukraine to the table for peace negotiations continue to fail, while the UK government and European allies continue to plan for a “coalition of the willing” to enforce any peace deal.
The prime minister is currently in Canada to attend the G7 summit – the annual meeting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the US, and the UK, as well as the EU.
Speaking to journalists on the plane, Sir Keir was asked if he expects additional sanctions on Russia to be agreed by allies.
He replied: “We’ve got President Zelenskyy coming, so that provides a good opportunity for us to discuss this again as a group.”
He continued: “My long-standing view is, we need to get Russia to the table for an unconditional ceasefire. That’s not been really straightforward.
“But we do need to be clear about we need to get to the table, and that if that doesn’t happen, sanctions will undoubtedly be part of the discussion at the G7.”
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Starmer arrives in Canada for G7
Sir Keir added that he has a “good relationship with President Trump”, which is “important” amid ongoing conflicts, such as between Israel and Iran.
“I think the G7 is our opportunity to look at, as we are, the global economy, security in that global economy, trade and the economy as well, and more matters of national security,” he said.
“I’ve been saying, for probably the best part of six months now – we’re in a new era of defence and security, a new error for trade and the economy.
“And I think it’s really important for Britain to play a leading part in that, and that’s what I’ll be doing at the G7, talking to all of our partners in a constructive way.”
Mr Trump returned to the White House in January with a pledge to rapidly end the war in Ukraine.
After President Zelenskyy had a blazing row with the US president in the Oval Office, Sir Keir accelerated his plan for a “coalition of the willing” – countries that would be prepared to provide troops or other means to ensure any eventual peace deal with Russia.
But talks between the US and Russia on moving towards any kind of ceasefire have yet to bear fruit, and attacks on Ukrainian cities continue.