On 7 September, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine with US President Donald Trump over the telephone. According to Downing Street, they agreed to continue working towards a ceasefire to halt further loss of life. London also reaffirmed its support for Ukraine and for the talks initiated by Washington.
Briefly about the main points
- The leaders discussed diplomatic measures regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- The parties wish to continue working towards a ceasefire.
- Britain has backed Ukraine and the US-led negotiation track.
- Before their talks, Vitkoff and Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv.
- Burnam and Trump agreed to keep in touch.
US officials visited Moscow and Kyiv
The telephone conversation took place after journeys American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv. They attempted to revive the diplomatic process between the parties, which had effectively reached an impasse in recent months.
On 5 September, Witkoff and Kushner met at the Kremlin with Vladimir Putin, and the following day they held talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. The Office of the President reported that the discussions centred on the resumption of negotiations, security guarantees, reconstruction, economic issues and territorial matters.
No specific breakthrough in the negotiations has been reported. Washington continues to push for the resumption of talks on a ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme
Separately Bernham і Trump discussed the situation in the Middle East. The British Prime Minister has stated that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must resume.
According to data from the Library of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas was transported through the strait prior to the conflict. Burnam also emphasised that the international community must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
London is insisting on a two-state solution
Bernam reaffirmed his support for the creation of two states as the basis for a long-term peace between Israel and Palestine. In recent days, London has stepped up political pressure in relation to the situation in the West Bank and has advocated keeping the option of a Palestinian state open.
In August, the UK, together with its partners, called on Israel to withdraw the tenders relating to the E1 settlement, stating that this project could undermine the territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian state. Following their conversation, Burnham and Trump agreed to stay in touch.
