British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is obstructing the path toward a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, following Putin’s refusal to meet face-to-face with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey.
Asked what his message was for the Russian president, Starmer said:
“What happened today is further proof that Putin is dragging out the process.”
“It’s Putin who is causing delays in reaching a ceasefire. Ukraine has long been clear that they want a full 30-day ceasefire, and we’ve consistently said that it’s Putin who is blocking the road to peace,” Starmer added.
The much-anticipated negotiations aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia, which were expected to begin on Thursday morning in Istanbul, have been postponed until later in the day.
Despite President Zelensky’s invitation for direct talks, President Putin has refused to travel to Ankara, sending only a delegation of high-ranking officials instead.
