UK and US leaders discuss Ukraine peace talks in Geneva

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump have conducted a strategic phone conversation to align their approaches to the ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations taking place in Geneva. The discussion between the two leaders focused on coordinating Western positions regarding the American-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has persisted for over three and a half years.

Diplomatic Coordination Between Allies

According to a statement from the UK Prime Minister's office, both leaders "agreed that we all must work together at this critical moment to bring about a just and lasting peace" in Ukraine. The diplomatic coordination occurred as high-level talks unfolded in Geneva involving American, Ukrainian, and European representatives. The leaders committed to maintaining close contact as the peace process develops, underscoring the importance of transatlantic unity in addressing the conflict.

Comprehensive Geneva Negotiations

The Geneva talks feature a substantial US delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, with US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll also participating. The Ukrainian delegation is headed by Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, while national security advisors from the E3 countries—the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—are conducting separate meetings with Ukrainian officials to ensure European perspectives are incorporated into the discussions.

Controversial Peace Proposal Details

The 28-point American peace plan under consideration has generated significant concern among Ukraine's supporters due to provisions that would require Ukraine to surrender additional territory to Russia, accept limitations on its military capabilities, and formally abandon its NATO membership aspirations. President Trump has characterized the current draft as not representing his "final offer" while giving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until Thursday to respond to the proposal. Leaders from nine European nations plus Japan, Canada, and top EU officials have jointly expressed apprehension that the proposed military restrictions would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future aggression.