Starmer: People around the world have paid the price for Putin's aggression, now he must pay

(Patria) - United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated yesterday that he and the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, agreed that Russia's stance in peace negotiations is "unacceptable".

He said they also discussed this with US President Donald Trump.

Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the European Political Community summit in Tirana, Starmer said the leaders are "aligning" on their response.

"People in Ukraine and across the world have paid the price for Putin’s aggression, and now he must pay the price for avoiding peace. I will not accept Russia kicking a ceasefire down the road," Starmer wrote on his X platform.

People in Ukraine and across the world have paid the price for Putin’s aggression, now he must pay the price for avoiding peace.

I will not accept Russia kicking a ceasefire down the road.@ZelenskyyUa, Britain stands with Ukraine, always. pic.twitter.com/pyyMpB83EV

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 16, 2025

A Ukrainian official in Istanbul accused Russia of making "unacceptable" territorial demands to undermine negotiations.

"Russia's demands are detached from reality and far exceed anything previously discussed. They include ultimatums to Ukraine to withdraw from its territory for a ceasefire and other unconstructive conditions," the source told Reuters on condition of anonymity, describing the talks between representatives of the two countries in Istanbul.

"Ukraine is ready to take the fastest possible steps towards peace," Zelensky said after he and European leaders spoke by phone with US President Trump.

"Our stance is - if the Russians refuse a complete and unconditional ceasefire and an end to killings, harsh sanctions must follow. Pressure on Russia must be maintained until it is ready to end the war," Zelensky stated on the X platform.

The phone call between Zelensky, Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk with the US President followed the conclusion of talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul.