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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Russian President Vladimir Putin had bet on Western support for Ukraine collapsing, but that bet has failed, as backing for Kyiv continues to grow, UATV English reports.
Responding to a question from FREEДОМ correspondent Oleh Borysov on how to increase pressure on Putin, Starmer said the Russian leader’s expectations have not materialized.
“Putin wanted our support to fail. He was wrong — it is strengthening every day,” Starmer said.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a joint press conference, Starmer said unity and resolve among allies remain essential to forcing Putin to end the war.
“Unity and determination among the allies are what will force Putin to end this war,” he said.
He pointed to new formats of cooperation among Ukraine’s partners, including the so-called “coalition of the willing,” which he said is designed to provide Ukraine with long-term security guarantees.
Starmer added that Russia is already under mounting economic pressure from sanctions and restrictions targeting its shadow fleet, noting that the UK is actively working to detain such vessels.
“The last six months have been a turning point,” Starmer said, citing intensified Ukrainian pressure on the front line, more effective long-range strikes deep into Russian territory, and sanctions that have begun to bite harder.
He concluded that pressure on Russia must be sustained and increased.
Read also: Zelenskyy: Ukraine’s Pressure on Russia Is Increasing Calls Within Russia to End the War
