The UK Prime Minister, alongside European leaders, called for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine during a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, 2025.
This move aims to replace Russia’s temporary pauses and initiate immediate negotiations, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense and economic recovery.
UK’s Role in Securing Peace
The UK has taken a proactive stance in international efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine. By advocating for an unconditional ceasefire, the UK rejects Russia’s conditions and demonstrates a firm stance against aggression.
This approach underscores the UK’s role in this important global security matters.
Implications for British Families
- Resumption of flights into Ukraine could reconnect families separated by conflict.
- Increased military aid may benefit UK defense contractors.
- Heightened sanctions on Russia could affect UK businesses with Russian ties.
Historical Context and Current Events
This announcement coincides with the 80th anniversary of VE Day, drawing parallels between historical lessons of peace and current events.
The UK’s support for Ukraine builds on its longstanding commitment since Russia’s invasion in 2022, reinforcing its historical role in European security.
Economic Opportunities and Challenges
- Supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery opens new trade opportunities for UK businesses.
- The resumption of flights is expected to boost investor confidence in Ukraine.
- Sustaining international unity amid prolonged conflict poses challenges for the UK government.
Full Speech by The PM
Exactly as delivered to the worlds press in Kyiv
“Volodymyr, friends, it is a real pleasure to be here in Kyiv with you all. With Emmanuel, with Friedrich, and with Donald.
This is Europe, stepping up, showing our solidarity with Ukraine, and also showing during this week when we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day that we understand the lessons of history.
The lesson that any veteran of Normandy, of North Africa or any other campaign will tell you but that Putin has not yet grasped:
There is no glory in aggression and conquest – glory comes from fighting for your country, defending your people, and winning the peace.
And that is the message of this moment.
Volodymyr, we stand with you to secure the just and lasting peace that Ukraine deserves.
It’s almost two months now since you agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. In that time Russia has launched some of the most deadly attacks on civilians of the entire war. Including here in Kyiv.
Normal lives, homes, families destroyed.
This is what Russia offers in place of peace along with delays and smokescreens – like the current 72 hour ceasefire.
And so all of us here – together with the US – are calling Putin out.
If he’s serious about peace then he has a chance to show it now – by extending the VE Day pause into a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire with negotiations to follow immediately, once a ceasefire is agreed.
No more ifs and buts. No more conditions and delays. Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade. And he doesn’t need them now.
Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused.
So we are clear – all five leaders here, all the leaders of the meeting we just had with the Coalition of the Willing – an unconditional ceasefire rejecting Putin’s conditions. And clear that if he turns his back on peace, we will respond.
Working with President Trump, with all our partners, we will ramp up sanctions and increase our military aid for Ukraine’s defence to pressure Russia back to the table.
And that’s what we have been discussing today – as well as securing Ukraine’s future for the longer term.
Convening the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with partners joining virtually from around Europe and across the world – lining up to support Ukraine’s future strength and security, discussing operational plans and making concrete commitments of support across land, air and sea.
We want to help Ukraine look to the future with confidence – so we’re working to boost Ukraine’s economy.
And as a vital step, I’m pleased that UK experts have been on the ground leading work to support the resumption of flights into Ukraine, once a ceasefire is achieved.
It will take time – but this will be a huge moment in reconnecting Ukraine’s economy, boosting investor confidence, and helping to reunite families separated by this war.
Ukraine secure and thriving – that is what we all want to see.
With our 100-year partnership, the Critical Minerals deal with the US, and our Coalition of the Willing, we are building the framework for peace in Ukraine to support a better future for the Ukrainian people.
And to pledge once again, in our all interests, and on this anniversary, that aggression will never prevail on our continent.
Thank you.”
Additional Reading
Final Thoughts
The UK’s call for an unconditional ceasefire highlights its commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
By coordinating with international partners to increase military aid and sanctions, the UK aims to pressure Russia back to negotiations while fostering economic recovery efforts that benefit both nations’ futures.
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Sources: UK Government, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kyiv Independent, Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
