Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that the initial version of Washington’s 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine contained several provisions Britain viewed as unacceptable, even as it laid out crucial principles needed to secure what he called a “just and lasting peace”. Addressing MPs in the House of Commons, Starmer stressed that any settlement to end the conflict must not only stop the fighting but also safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.

The Prime Minister said weekend talks in Geneva had produced meaningful progress in narrowing differences between Kyiv and Washington, and that refinements to the plan were now under active discussion. 

He emphasised that decisions about Ukraine’s future must remain firmly in Ukrainian hands, while any provisions touching on Europe or NATO would require the explicit consent of allies.

Starmer warned that the pursuit of peace would remain “a long and difficult road”, but vowed that the UK is “more committed than ever” to supporting Ukraine. He laid full responsibility for the war at the feet of Vladimir Putin, noting that more than a million Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded “because of the depraved ambitions of one man”. 

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to seven-year-old Amelia, a Polish citizen killed in a recent Russian strike on Ternopil, reminding MPs of the human cost still borne daily by civilians.

Photo: X @Keir_Starmer

Tomasz Modrzejewski