Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called on Russia to agree to an “immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire” following a fresh round of high-level diplomatic talks in Paris, aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
The talks mark the first significant face-to-face discussions between senior British, French, and American officials since Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron visited Washington in February.
Mr Lammy travelled to the French capital for the summit, which brought together representatives from the UK, US, France, Germany, and Ukraine. Among those present were US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.
Speaking after the meetings on Thursday, Mr Lammy said: “In a volatile world, unity is our strength. Today’s meetings with France, the US, Ukraine, and Germany underscore our shared commitment to global security.
“We must see a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stability in the Middle East. Russia must agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as Ukraine has done.”
Although Mr Lammy did not divulge specific details of the discussions, his comments point to a renewed push among Western allies to pressure Moscow back to the negotiating table after the Kremlin rejected a US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal last month.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. Both the UK and France are actively working to form a coalition of international partners willing to support and defend any ceasefire arrangement, should progress be made.
Mr Rubio and Mr Witkoff also held separate talks with President Macron. A spokesperson for the US State Department said the purpose of the visit was to “advance President Trump’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed.” The US delegation is also focusing on broader regional cooperation with European allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the Paris discussions, highlighting the importance of aligning positions between Kyiv and its Western partners. “It is important that we hear each other, refine, and clarify our positions, and work for the sake of real security of Ukraine and all our Europe,” Mr Zelensky said in a statement.
He also spoke twice with President Macron during the day, thanking the French leader for his continued support and the role France played in hosting the summit.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, the reality on the ground remains grim. The city of Dnipro was the latest to come under attack, with a drone strike overnight killing three people and injuring 28 others, including four children.
In a message posted on social media, Mr Zelensky stated: “Pressure must be applied to the killers, and life must be helped to stop this war and ensure a reliable peace.”
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Separately, Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced progress on an economic partnership deal with the United States. In a post on X, she said a memorandum of intent had been signed with the US, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive agreement to aid Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
The agreement is expected to include a dedicated investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction, with both countries hoping to finalise the deal by the end of next week. Ms Svyrydenko shared photos of the virtual signing ceremony, which included herself and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
“This document is the result of the professional work of the negotiating teams,” she said. “It is very important that the document notes the desire of the American people to invest together with the Ukrainian people in a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine.”
With diplomatic efforts intensifying and international pressure mounting, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether any breakthrough can be achieved in one of Europe’s deadliest conflicts since the Second World War.
