The Prime Minister met President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States yesterday in Berlin.
The leaders condemned Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, discussed their plans to provide Ukraine with additional security, economic, and humanitarian assistance, including leveraging the extraordinary revenues of immobilized Russian sovereign assets – as decided at the G7 Summit, discussed President Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan, and reiterated their resolve to continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders also discussed events in the Middle East, in particular the implications of the death of Yahya Sinwar, who bears responsibility for the bloodshed of the October 7th terrorist attack, for the immediate necessity to bring the hostages home to their families, for ending the war in Gaza, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians.
The leaders also reiterated their condemnation of Iran’s escalatory attack on Israel and coordinated on efforts to hold Iran accountable and prevent further escalation. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and agreed on the need to work towards full implementation of UNSCR 1701 and a diplomatic resolution that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely home.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s speech in Berlin:
I’ve just had a very productive meeting with President Biden, Chancellor Scholz, and President Macron.
We focused on two issues.
Firstly, the situation in the Middle East.
Let me start by saying that no one should mourn the death of the Hamas Leader Sinwar.
On his hands is the blood of innocent Israelis.
Killed on the 7th of October and over years of terror.
And also the blood of the Palestinian people.
Who suffered in the chaos and violence that he sought and celebrated.
We continue to support Israel’s right to self-defence.
Particularly in the face of the attacks by the Iranian regime.
Allies will keep working together.
To de-escalate across the region.
Because we know there is no military-only solution here.
The answer is diplomacy.
And now we must make the most of this moment.
What is needed now is a ceasefire in Gaza.
The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Immediate access for humanitarian aid.
And a return to the path towards the two-state solution.
As the only way to deliver long-term peace and security.
The dire humanitarian situation cannot continue.
And I say once again to Israel, the world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance.
Civilians in northern Gaza need food, now.
The UK strongly supports UNRWA in the vital work it does in Gaza, across the OPTs and the region.
UNRWA must be allowed to continue its life saving support.
The suffering must end, including in Lebanon, where we need a ceasefire to implement a political plan based on UN resolution 1701.
That empowers the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Strengthens UNIFIL.
And allows communities on both sides of the border to return to their homes.
That delivers humanitarian and economic support to the people of Lebanon.
Supports democracy and bolsters the Lebanese State.
Second, we discussed the war in Ukraine.
Building on the conversation I had with President Zelenskyy at Downing Street last week.
We remain united in our support for Ukraine.
We have always said that it is for the Ukrainian people to decide their own future.
So we’re clear, together with President Zelenskyy, that the only acceptable outcome is a sovereign Ukraine, and a just peace.
We want to see Ukraine thriving and secure.
And we’ll work together to make it happen.
And while the situation is incredibly tough.
It’s also true that Russia is getting weaker.
This war is soaking up 40% of their budget.
Last month Russia suffered the highest daily casualty rate so far.
So we discussed how to speed up our support for Ukraine.
And the UK is delivering.
95% of the equipment that we promised to fast track in July is now in Ukrainian hands.
And together with the G7 we’re working to send $50 billion of further support to Ukraine.
Drawn from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.
So as Ukraine enters a difficult winter it’s important to say.
We’re with you.
We’re absolutely united in our resolve.
And we’ll back Ukraine for as long as it takes.
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