UK Affirms Support for Ukraine Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit

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London: The United Kingdom has reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine as world leaders prepare for a high-stakes summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Speaking ahead of the talks, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised London’s commitment to working alongside the United States and Ukraine to secure “a just and lasting peace”. He held a conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on Friday, in which he reaffirmed the UK’s position in backing Kyiv amid the ongoing conflict.

Mr Lammy stated: “The UK stands with Ukraine on what will be an important day for the future of Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security. Speaking to Andrii Sybiha today, I reiterated our enduring support and our commitment to work with the US and Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace.”

In response, Mr Sybiha praised the United Kingdom for its “principled stance on supporting” Ukraine. He described the discussion as “meaningful” and highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure peace and stability across Europe. “We focused on joint diplomatic efforts to bring closer a real peace for Ukraine and all of Europe. We also discussed ways to further enhance assistance to Ukraine, including long-term financial aid. We stand united in defending our shared security and democratic values,” he added.

The summit in Anchorage comes more than three years after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, which triggered a protracted conflict in Eastern Europe. President Trump and President Putin arrived in Alaska on Friday to discuss potential resolutions to the fighting. Mr Trump described the meeting as “high stakes” in posts on his social media platform, adding that he hoped to see a ceasefire rapidly implemented.

In a briefing aboard Air Force One, Mr Trump told reporters: “I want to see a ceasefire rapidly. I don’t know if it’s going to be today, but I’m not going to be happy if it’s not.” He also indicated that security guarantees for Kyiv might be offered alongside European partners, while leaving decisions on territorial concessions to the Ukrainian government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the ongoing risks to civilians in the region. Shortly before the summit, he noted: “On the day of the negotiations, the Russians are killing as well. Recently, we’ve discussed with the US and Europeans what can truly work. Everyone needs a just end to the war. Ukraine is ready to work as productively as possible to bring the war to an end, and we count on a strong position from America.”

Mr Zelensky also stressed continued coordination with European partners and called for a meeting, including at a minimum, Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, to advance peace efforts.

Several members of the UK Cabinet have expressed support for Ukraine in the lead-up to the summit. Defence Secretary John Healey told BBC Breakfast: “The UK’s role is to stand with Ukraine on the battlefield and in the negotiations, and prepare, as we have been, leading 30 other nations with military planning for a ceasefire and a secure peace through what we call the Coalition of the Willing.”

Reflecting on lessons from the Second World War during the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, Mr Healey said: “Military action alone solves nothing in the end; the conclusion of conflict must come through diplomacy. Today in Alaska, we hope to see a first step towards serious negotiations.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking at a VJ Day reception in Downing Street, drew parallels between Ukraine’s fight and the Allied efforts of the Second World War, stating that President Zelensky was “fighting for the same values” as those defended by Britain’s wartime forces.

As global attention focuses on Alaska, the UK continues to reinforce its diplomatic and practical support for Ukraine, emphasising shared democratic values and the pursuit of a sustainable peace.