Meeting of Zelensky and Starmer: Coordinated Actions on Sanction Pressure on Russia to Achieve Stable Peace
June 17 in Canada, during the G7 Leaders’ Summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held an important meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. The main topic of the negotiations was the strategy of applying sanction pressure against Russia in order to force the occupiers to leave Ukrainian territory and to establish the long-awaited peace. According to the Ukrainian head of state, the parties developed a common stance on the necessity of coordinated international measures and steps. In his official message, later published on Telegram, Zelensky stated: “Kirk Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and I agreed on our positions regarding further actions to achieve long-term peace. We discussed the need to impose tough sanctions on Russia, targeting its energy sector, banking system, shadow fleet, and military-industrial complex. Only through joint efforts can the international community compel Russia to cease the war and return to diplomatic dialogue. This issue is urgent both for international security and for Ukraine’s future.” During the meeting, the leaders also addressed the issue of strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, particularly increasing the supply of air defense systems (AD). Zelensky emphasized that the country needs upgraded missile systems and their components to effectively counter Russian air attacks. In turn, Starmer assured support from the UK regarding Ukraine’s security interests and announced plans to intensify cooperation aimed at strengthening the neighboring state's defense system. Overall, this meeting became a key step in the diplomatic planning of the international community’s further actions regarding the Russian Federation. Besides discussing sanctions and military support, the leaders focused on additional mechanisms for increasing resistance to Russian aggression through economic, political, and military pressure. The significance of this meeting underscores the unity of the international community in the face of the threat posed by Russia and its attempts to destabilize the region through various sanctions tools. The meeting between Zelensky and Starmer confirms Ukraine and its partners’ persistence in seeking a peaceful resolution of the conflict and establishing a stable status quo. At the same time, its results emphasize the importance of coordinated actions and the readiness of the global community to use all available means to stop Russian aggression and restore the rule of law and order in Ukraine. It is expected that the efforts discussed at this meeting will form the basis for a new wave of international sanctions and political decisions aimed at changing the geopolitical situation in the region and consolidating peace and security in Europe.