UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for intensified sanctions against Russia, aiming to bolster support for Ukraine and push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward peace negotiations. Following a significant virtual meeting with around 30 allied leaders on March 15, 2025, Starmer emphasized the need for unity and action, stating, "Now is the time to put maximum pressure on Russia" to halt its continued aggression.
During this virtual summit—a collaboration dubbed the "coalition of the willing"—Starmer and other leaders discussed the various avenues for increasing economic sanctions on Russia, which they believe have already caused considerable strain on the Kremlin’s finances. Starmer remarked, “The effects of the sanctions on the Russian economy have been pretty powerful. We shouldn’t underestimate the impact they’ve already had, and by doubling down and increasing sanctions, we can cause even more pressure.”
The alliances formed at this meeting, which included European leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, aim to transition from discussion to action. Starmer indicated they were moving to the "operational phase" of securing security guarantees for Ukraine—almost three years after Russia first invaded the nation. He stated, "We must build up Ukraine’s own defenses and armed forces to defend itself and deter future Russian aggression."
Starmer reiterated the importance of unity among Western nations, stating they are currently gathering political and military momentum. Allied military chiefs are scheduled to meet again on March 20, 2025, to discuss details about the type of support they can offer Ukraine should a ceasefire be agreed upon. “Robust and credible security arrangements” are necessary to assure long-term peace, Starmer asserted.
The meeting also involved proposals to seize frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s defense efforts—a complex legal and political matter according to Starmer. He noted the challenges but insisted they were necessary to maximize pressure on the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned of the continued military pressure his country is under from Russian forces, particularly near the northeastern region bordering Kursk. He stated, “Such steps don’t mean peace,” referring to Russia’s military enhancements, and expressed expectations for clear responses from the US if Putin turns down proposals for ceasefire. "The world is watching, and my feeling is sooner or later Putin is going to have to come to the table and engage seriously,” he added.
At this summit, nearly every leader expressed their commitment to progressing toward peace. “Everyone is determined to put pressure on Russia,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz, highlighting the heightened motivation among European nations and their allies.
The meeting followed previous discussions at the beginning of March, after US President Donald Trump opened lines of direct communication with Putin, raising concerns among European allies about the shifting geopolitical dynamics. There was no US representation at the meeting, reflecting the changes under the Trump administration since his re-election. Trump himself expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations, stating, “I’m getting good vibes about the ceasefire discussions coming out of Russia.”
Despite this optimism, concerns remain. Analysts believe Putin’s conditions for any truce aim to maximize his territorial control and influence, hinting at hesitance to engage seriously if he perceives his military position is strong. Starmer's urgings signal recognition of the necessity for concrete commitments as negotiations progress.
To compound the urgency, reports have emerged of increasing aerial assaults from both Russian and Ukrainian forces. Overnight on March 15, 2025, both sides reported heavy drone activity, with Russia claiming to have shot down 126 Ukrainian drones, including those over the Volgograd region, where debris from the drones caused local fires. Ukraine's Air Force reported launching 178 drones and facing significant retaliatory fire, which included hits on energy infrastructures.
For the Ukrainian people and their allies, the stakes have never been higher as they navigate the complex and perilous waters of international diplomacy and warfare. The actions taken by allied leaders over this weekend may either push for peace or intensify the conflict, depending more than ever on Putin's willingness to cease his military operations against Ukraine.