British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told allies to continue pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Unlike the first summit on March 2, the meeting of what Starmer called a "coalition of the willing" is taking place virtually. The meeting is expected to discuss how countries can help Ukraine militarily and financially, as well as options for a possible future peacekeeping mission if Putin supports a cessation of hostilities.
"I feel that sooner or later he will have to come to the negotiating table and engage in serious discussion, but we cannot sit back and simply wait for that to happen," Starmer said.
"This means strengthening Ukraine so that it can defend itself and strengthening its military capabilities, funding and continuing to provide support to Ukraine," the British leader added.
Today's meeting follows a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, which was supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin said he supported the ceasefire in principle, but outlined a number of details that needed to be clarified before agreeing to a ceasefire.
The meeting is attended by about 25 countries, including France, Italy, Ukraine, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, as well as NATO and European Union officials. The United States is not present at the meeting.
Trump expressed optimism on Friday that Putin, who met with US envoy Steve Witkoff earlier this week, would support a ceasefire.
Ukraine, under heavy military pressure on parts of the front line three years after the Russian invasion began, has already backed the ceasefire proposal. The Russian military has the momentum on the battlefield, and analysts say Putin is likely to be reluctant to rush into a ceasefire while he feels he has the upper hand.
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