David Lammy says Russia must accept 'unconditional ceasefire' after US-Europe talks

David Lammy has said Russia must agree to an "immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire" following meeting between US and European leaders to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

The Foreign Secretary travelled to Paris for the first high-profile meeting between British, French and White House officials since prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron visited Washington in February.

Following Thursday's meeting in the French capital, Lammy shared little detail of the talks but said the meeting had “underscore our shared commitment to global security”.

The Foreign Secretary said: "In a volatile world, unity is our strength.

"Today’s meetings with France, the US, Ukraine, and Germany underscore our shared commitment to global security.

"We must see a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stability in the Middle East."

He added: "We are working hard with allies to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.

"Russia must agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as Ukraine has done."

Officials from German and Ukraine, including the country’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiga and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak, attended the meeting as well as US Secretary of state, Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Whitkoff.

Peace talks in the region have failed in the past with Russia rejecting a ceasefire deal agreed by the US and Ukraine last month.

The UK and France are seeing to assemble a coalition of nations that would be willing to defend a ceasefire if one is reached.

The US State Department said talks would be held to "advance president Trump’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed".

The department added: "While in Paris, he will also discuss ways to advance shared interests in the region."

Following the talks, Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said it was "important that we hear each other, refine, and clarify our postitions and work for the sake of real security of Ukraine and all our Europe".

"I spoke for the second time today with the president of France Emmanuel Macron," he said.

"I am grateful to Emmanuel for his leadership and for today’s work in Paris by our representatives – Ukraine, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.

"It is important that we hear each other, refine and clarify our positions, and work for the sake of real security of Ukraine and all our Europe."

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