LONDON 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday held high-level discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In his conversation with von der Leyen, Starmer emphasized the need for Europe to "step up for the good of collective European security" and secure a "just and enduring peace" in Ukraine, according to a statement by the British government.

Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining strong support for Kyiv as the war has been ongoing since February 2022, highlighting the broader implications for European stability.

Meanwhile, in his discussion with President Zelenskyy, Starmer reiterated the UK's "ironclad support" for Ukraine and stressed that any resolution to the conflict must center around Ukrainian sovereignty.

"This is a significant moment for the future of Ukraine and European security at large," the prime minister said, reaffirming that Ukraine must play a central role in any negotiations to end the war.

"Ukraine must be at the heart of any negotiations to end the war and that safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty was essential to deter future aggression from Russia," he noted.

He also warned that ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty is critical to deterring future Russian aggression.

Starmer is set to continue discussions with key allies in the coming days and weeks, including during his upcoming visit to Washington, DC, where he will meet with US President Donald Trump.