The tragedy is that Starmer is, in effect, prolonging the war even as Ukrainians themselves evidently feel enough is enough. A poll conducted in Ukraine by British firm Survation last week found that 39% wanted an end to the war now, a further 39% would consider negotiations and only 16% would keep fighting until victory.

What is a ‘coalition of the willing’? Key takeaways from Starmer and Macron’s Ukraine peace talks - European leaders reaffirmed their support for Zelensky after tense Trump meeting