UK and US Host Western National Security Advisers on Ukraine

The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and US Vice President, JD Vance, will convene a meeting on Saturday of national security advisers from Europe and the United States to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office announced.

Downing Street described the meeting as “a vital forum to discuss progress towards securing a just and lasting peace,” referencing a phone call on Saturday between Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Both leaders welcomed former President Donald Trump’s expressed desire to bring an end to what they termed “this barbaric war,” agreeing that sustained pressure must be applied on Russian President Vladimir Putin to terminate his “illegal war,” according to the official readout.

The Prime Minister concluded the call by reaffirming his unwavering support for Ukraine and its people.

The meeting follows confirmation that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold talks in Alaska next Friday, aiming to bring the war — sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 — to an end.

So far, there has been no indication that Ukraine will participate in the forthcoming summit, despite insistence from Kyiv and European capitals that the conflict-affected country must be involved in any peace negotiations.

However, Ukraine’s national security adviser will attend Saturday’s meeting, alongside European and American counterparts, Downing Street confirmed.

Vice President Vance is currently visiting the UK on holiday and began his visit on Friday by meeting with David Lammy at Chevening, located in Kent, southeast of London.

It is understood that the United States requested Saturday’s meeting to discuss next steps in Trump’s peace initiative, and that the session will be hosted at Chevening.

According to UK government sources, the talks in Kent are expected to continue throughout Saturday, reflecting the ongoing international efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine through diplomatic means.