LONDON – May 15, 2025 — UK Defence Secretary John Healey has urged Ukraine’s allies to ramp up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a failed attempt to initiate direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. The call comes as Putin refused to attend negotiations, sending a lower-level delegation instead.
Western Leaders Push for Renewed Sanctions on Russia
Healey: “We Need to Act”
Speaking in Berlin after meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, Healey emphasized that now is the time for decisive action from Ukraine’s allies.
“We need to act and put pressure on Putin that helps bring him to the negotiating table,” said Healey, highlighting the urgency of coordinated European responses, including renewed sanctions.
He noted recent commitments made by leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland during their visit to Kyiv last week, signaling broad support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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Putin’s Absence Undermines Peace Talks
UK PM Starmer: Putin Is Blocking Ceasefire
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also responded sharply to Putin’s refusal to engage directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“This is further evidence that it’s Putin who is dragging his feet,” Starmer told The Guardian. “Ukraine has been ready for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. It’s Putin who is standing in the way.”
Putin was expected to attend talks in Türkiye but instead sent an aide-led delegation with no senior officials. This move, Western leaders argue, reflects a lack of genuine commitment from the Kremlin to end the war.
Ukraine Moves Forward Despite Putin’s No-Show
Zelenskyy Leads with Diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Ankara prepared to meet Putin, demonstrating his willingness to seek a peaceful resolution. Despite Russia’s downgrade in representation, Zelenskyy maintained the initiative by dispatching Defence Minister Rustem Umierov to Istanbul to lead Ukraine’s delegation.
The talks, while symbolic in the absence of top-level Russian participation, continue to reflect Ukraine’s readiness for meaningful dialogue.
Background on the Istanbul Talks
Negotiations in Istanbul were set as a potential turning point in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin would not attend, further clouding hopes for a breakthrough. Observers note that without the Russian president’s direct involvement, chances for a ceasefire remain slim.
Conclusion: Unity Needed to End the War
The UK’s latest statements mark a renewed push for unified Western pressure on Moscow, with calls for escalated sanctions and diplomatic isolation. As Defence Secretary Healey stressed, “There is no victory in sight for Putin in Ukraine. Now is the time… to put an end to this fighting.”
With Ukraine continuing to lead diplomatic efforts and Western leaders reinforcing their support, the burden now falls on Russia to match those efforts—or face deeper international consequences.
This article is originally published on : newsukraine
