Trump has changed Ukraine debate ‘for the better’, says Downing Street

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Donald Trump has shifted the global discussion about Ukraine in a positive way, Downing Street claims, as the UK has introduced additional sanctions against Russia in an attempt to pressure Vladimir Putin to make concessions.

As world leaders commemorated the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Keir Starmer's representative stated the US president had opened the door to negotiations that could bring about a lasting peace.

which have helped break down the Atlantic consensus on the conflict.

On a day of hectic diplomatic activity, Starmer, speaking via video link to world leaders in Kyiv, said Trump had “changed the global conversation over the last few weeks” on Ukraine. “It has created an opportunity. Now we've got to get the fundamentals right,” he added.

Pressed by reporters about whether Starmer's comments had changed things for the better or worse, his spokesperson replied: "Absolutely for the better. Trump's intervention has led to these talks that could bring lasting peace to Ukraine, which is what we all want to see."

On a Monday, Britain put in place the biggest package of sanctions against Russia since the early days of the full-scale invasion. Starmer said he hoped to make Putin do more than just talk, but to make concessions.

The Australian prime minister informed the Ukrainian president and European leaders that Kyiv "holds all the cards in this war", which directly contradicts the comments made by Trump last week that Moscow was in a position of strength.

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The United Nations General Assembly has voted in favour of a motion condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine.

In a G7 meeting on Monday that included Trump, Starmer highlighted Australia's backing for Zelenskyy's government. A spokesperson said after the call the prime minister had encouraged other G7 nations to boost their military support for Ukraine and their economic sanctions on Russia.

But he was also careful to praise Trump. Starmer's spokesperson said he had "welcomed the lead role President Trump is taking in delivering peace, and [is] committed to working with him and other G7 leaders to deliver a fair and lasting peace".

The UK kept the door open for Russia to rejoin the G7 eventually, after security minister Dan Jarvis hinted that it could, but spoke to the press. However, it was made clear at Downing Street that Russia wouldn't be considered for rejoining while it occupies Ukrainian territory.

“Our stance on the G7 hasn’t shifted. We can't accept Russia joining the G7 as long as it has troops in Ukraine. That's been our consistent line,” the spokesperson for Starmer said.

Jarvis told Times Radio that Russia rejoining the G7 would be "a matter to be discussed with international allies". The Minister for Home Affairs said it would "no doubt" be considered once the Ukraine conflict was over.

David Lammy, announcing the new sanctions package, said history has shown that Moscow will only respond to strength, not just "paper promises".

Listing multiple security agreements Russia had “betrayed” over the years, the foreign secretary said: “This is foreign policy through deception.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs stated that 107 new entities will be sanctioned, including 40 "shadow fleet" ships and 14 "new kleptocrats", including Russian billionaire Roman Trotsenko, as part of the largest sanctions package since 2022.

Among those hit with sanctions was North Korea's Defence Minister, No Kwang-chol, who copped the penalties for his country's decision to send troops to support Russia's war effort. The Yanks and EU had slapped sanctions on No late last year.

The UK is also slapping sanctions on Keremet Bank in Kyrgyzstan, the first non-Russian bank to be targeted, along with companies in China, India and Turkey that supply gear and supplies to Russia's military.

Separately, the Home Office has announced plans to expand travel restrictions for individuals linked to the Kremlin, while the UK will provide an additional £20m to support medical and rehabilitation aid for Ukrainians on the frontlines.