Starmer welcomes agreement in Jeddah: Next steps will be discussed in London on Saturday

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed the outcome of negotiations in Saudi Arabia, calling on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and announcing that the next steps will be discussed at a leaders' summit on Saturday, March 15.

That's according to a statement posted on the UK government's website, Ukrinform reports.

"This is an important moment for peace in Ukraine and we now all need to redouble our efforts to get to a lasting and secure peace as soon as possible. As both American and Ukrainian delegations have said, the ball is now in the Russian court. Russia must now agree to a ceasefire and an end to the fighting too. I will be convening leaders this Saturday to discuss next steps," Starmer said.

He emphasized the UK's readiness to "help bring an end to this war in a just and permanent way that allows Ukraine to enjoy its freedom."

Negotiations between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations took place in Saudi Arabia on March 11. As a result, the Ukrainian delegation supported the U.S. proposal for a 30-day full ceasefire along the entire frontline. This ceasefire could be extended by mutual agreement, provided Russia accepts and simultaneously implements the terms.

Photo: Simon Dawson