Summarised by Centrist

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has joined international talks on Ukraine. British PM Sir Keir Starmer led a virtual summit with around 30 nations, including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, as concerns grow over waning US support under President Donald Trump. 

Starmer declared it was time to move to an “operational phase,” with military leaders meeting in London this week to devise a concrete plan.

Luxon has yet to clarify what New Zealand committed to during the call, as he was en route to India. However, he later affirmed on social media that discussions focused on securing a “just and lasting peace” for Ukraine.

Starmer is pushing for increased military aid and harsher economic sanctions on Russia. He stressed that the coalition would “keep increasing the pressure on Russia” and ensure Ukraine’s security. French President Emmanuel Macron was also involved. Reports suggest the coalition has not yet reached an agreement on deploying military forces.

Last month, Luxon told 1News that he would be “open” to sending peacekeepers, if needed. “We’re a long way away from this theatre of war. But, for me, this is a values thing,” he said at the time.

Zelensky, despite harsh criticism from Trump and US Vice President JD Vance, signalled a willingness to work with the US administration on a peace deal. “I want to thank President Trump and the American delegation. This process must continue,” he said.

With military leaders set to convene on Thursday, New Zealand’s role in this coalition remains unclear. Whether Luxon will commit to material support beyond diplomatic backing is a question that Cabinet will ultimately have to answer.

Read more over at Stuff and 1News

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