British PM slams Putin, calls for Ukraine’s sovereignty in Commons address

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a robust statement in the House of Commons, emphasizing the importance of a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and reiterating the UK’s steadfast support for Kyiv amid ongoing Russian aggression.

Addressing MPs, Starmer said he had recently consulted with international leaders to discuss the conflict, underscoring that both “just” and “lasting” are essential qualities for any peace settlement, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

He referred to the 28-point peace plan, reportedly drawn up by the US and Russia and leaked last week, noting that it contained elements “not acceptable” to Kyiv and London. However, he added, it also included provisions that would be “essential” for achieving a sustainable resolution.

Starmer outlined the core principles that must underpin any settlement: “Ukraine’s sovereignty must be maintained and that Ukraine should be able to defend itself in the future. Ukraine’s voice must be heard. And a solution will need the consent of NATO, and of NATO,” he stressed. He noted that he would speak later with other “Coalition of the Willing” partners to advance these discussions.

Highlighting the ongoing threat Russia poses to the UK, Starmer recalled recent incidents in which two Russian ships were intercepted in British waters. He also reflected on the human toll of the conflict, saying, “Last night I celebrated my daughter’s 15th birthday. Later that night I saw TV footage of a girl about the same age being pulled from the rubble of a building in Ukraine where her mother had just been killed.”

Starmer described the situation in Ukraine as “abhorrent beyond belief,” emphasizing the daily suffering endured by civilians and the front-line sacrifices of Ukrainian soldiers. He criticized President Vladimir Putin’s actions, noting, “Putin’s aggression, his illegal actions and his total disregard for human life has taken a huge toll on his own people. Thousands of Russian soldiers are killed every single day – 100,000 have been killed attacking Donetsk. In total, more than one million Russians have been killed or injured because of the depraved ambition of one man.”

By Vafa Guliyeva