Ukraine and Britain Discuss Security Guarantees Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit (Worthy News Radio)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

LONDON/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has discussed potential security guarantees for his war-torn nation with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer during talks in London, ahead of Friday’s highly anticipated U.S.-Russia summit on ending the war in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy and Starmer were seen embracing near the front door of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British prime minister.

Both leaders declined to answer questions before their private discussions on Kyiv’s mounting challenges in halting Russia’s military invasion.

Following the meeting, Zelenskyy wrote on social media that they held a “detailed discussion” on possible security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a future peace deal. He said the talks also touched on investment in Ukrainian drone production.

The London meeting came after Zelenskyy took part in a video conference in Berlin, where he urged U.S. President Donald J. Trump and European leaders to remain wary of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I told the U.S. President and all our European colleagues that Putin is bluffing,” Zelenskyy said, accusing the Russian leader of mounting pressure ahead of Friday’s Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. “Along all parts of the Ukrainian front, Russia is trying to portray that it can occupy all of Ukraine. Of course, that is their desire.”

Zelenskyy called for a trilateral format of talks involving himself, a ceasefire, and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine. He stressed that Russia “cannot have a veto” over Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union and the NATO military alliance.

SANCTIONS DISCUSSED

Zelenskyy also said peace efforts must be paired with sanctions that could be tightened if Moscow refuses to agree to a ceasefire during the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting.

President Trump appeared to support that stance.

Asked whether Russia would face consequences if Putin refused to end the war after their meeting, Trump replied:

“Yes, they will. There will be consequences.”

Pressed on whether those consequences would include sanctions or tariffs, Trump declined to specify. “I don’t have to say. There will be very severe consequences, yes.”

For now, fighting continues in what has become Europe’s bloodiest conflict since the Second World War.

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