As world leaders gather for the annual Munich Security Conference, former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to use the opportunity to challenge former US President Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine.
With the future of the war at stake, Rifkind has warned that history must not repeat itself, referencing the infamous 1938 Munich Agreement that led to Nazi Germany’s invasion of Czechoslovakia.
In a recent interview, Starmer stopped short of guaranteeing that Ukraine would have a direct role in upcoming peace negotiations, stating only that President Volodymyr Zelensky “must be involved.” This cautious approach has raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to secure its future without being sidelined in diplomatic discussions.
Trump has floated the idea of personally negotiating a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, with suggestions that a high-level meeting could take place in Saudi Arabia. His recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which he praised the Kremlin leader, has fueled speculation that a potential agreement may favor Moscow’s interests.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also indicated that any proposed deal may include Russia retaining control over Crimea while blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership — a position that many in Europe see as a dangerous concession.
Lammy is set to meet Trump’s new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, during the conference, where Ukraine is expected to be the top agenda item. The proposed agreement over the Chagos Islands, a separate but contentious issue, is also set to be discussed, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Ahead of these crucial meetings, Rifkind has urged Lammy to take a firm stance, insisting that Ukraine must be a direct participant in any negotiations.
“He should demand that the Ukrainians must be part of the negotiating team with Putin, not just consulted. Otherwise, it will be like Munich. Chamberlain and [Edouard] Daladier, but no Czechs.”
Malcolm Rifkind
Rifkind emphasized that while European involvement in the talks would be beneficial, Ukraine’s presence was “vital.” He further noted that if Trump resists this demand, Lammy should remind him that “Europe is no longer a top priority for the US! His words, not mine.”
NATO Membership and Lasting Peace
Starmer reaffirmed that Ukraine’s path to NATO membership remains “irreversible.” However, he avoided strengthening his previous language on the issue, maintaining that Ukraine should be “at the heart” of discussions rather than committing to explicit guarantees.
“Ukraine needs to be in the strongest possible position. Ukrainians want peace. Those that have had to flee the country want to go back, but this has to be led by Ukraine. There’s no negotiation about Ukraine that doesn’t involve Ukraine.”
Keir Starmer
When pressed on whether the UK would actively push for NATO membership, Starmer maintained that his stance aligned with NATO’s formal position. “This was discussed at the summit in Washington last year, where all NATO members agreed there should be an irreversible path for Ukraine to join,” he stated.
He also underscored the importance of ensuring any peace deal is “just, lasting, and capable of enduring,” warning that any temporary ceasefire should not provide Russia with “space and opportunity to rearm and go again.”
UK Defence Secretary John Healey echoed these concerns, warning that Russia remains a threat beyond Ukraine. “My message in these discussions will be that there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine, and Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any talks,” he asserted.
As the UK takes a leading role in ensuring security across Europe, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has even suggested that British troops may need to be deployed to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force.
As such, with diplomatic tensions rising and critical decisions looming, the outcome of the Munich Security Conference could shape the trajectory of the war in Ukraine and redefine global security alliances.
