In a decisive move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed the UK’s readiness to deploy British troops to Ukraine to enforce a peace agreement, aiming to deter further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin. This announcement comes ahead of an emergency summit of European leaders in Paris, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, to discuss Europe’s role in the ongoing peace negotiations.
Writing in The Telegraph, Starmer emphasized the gravity of potentially placing British service members in harm’s way, stating that contributing to Ukraine’s security is essential for the safety of the entire continent. He underscored that any peace deal must include Ukraine at the negotiating table, rejecting any notion that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty. Starmer articulated, “The end of this war, when it comes, cannot merely become a temporary pause before Putin attacks again.”
This development comes amid concerns over the United States’ approach to the conflict. President Donald Trump has initiated direct negotiations with Russia, excluding European allies and Ukraine from initial discussions. This unilateral move has raised alarms in European capitals about a potential agreement that might compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the necessity of including Europe and Ukraine in any negotiations, warning that sidelining them could lead to a failed agreement.
At the Paris summit, leaders from Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, along with NATO officials, will discuss bolstering defense spending and the possibility of forming a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Starmer has pledged £3 billion annually in support to Ukraine until 2030 and suggested that the UK could serve as a bridge between Europe and the US during the peace process. He also highlighted the critical role of US support and proposed stronger economic measures against Russia, including enhanced enforcement of sanctions.
The UK’s commitment to deploying troops marks a pivotal moment in the West’s response to the conflict, reflecting a determination to ensure a lasting and just peace in Ukraine.
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