Ready to send British soldiers to whether there is an agreement to end the war with – acknowledging that this could put the British forces “at risk” if the launch of a new attack, O said.
It seems that this is the first time the prime minister has explicitly stating that he is considering the possibility of the development of British peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. His statements were made a little.
Leaders intend to chart a strategy in response to Donald Trump’s pressure on an agreement with the Russian president and concerns that the US will reduce its defense commitments in Europe.
In particular, Starmer in an article in the Daily Telegraph described the crisis as “a unique moment in our generation” and an “existential” issue for Europe.
At the same time, he stated that the United Kingdom is “ready to play a leading role” in Ukraine’s defense and security, including a commitment to an annual funding of £ 3 billion by 2030. Starmer stressed that in addition to military assistance, “this means that” means this means. Also that we are ready and willing to contribute to Ukraine’s security guarantees, developing our own strengths on the ground if needed. “
“I’m not telling the heart slightly. I feel deeply responsible for putting British soldiers at risk, “Starmer said.
“But any role in the guarantee of Ukraine’s security also contributes to the guarantee of the security of our continent and our country.”
“The end of this war, when it comes, cannot just be a temporary pause before Putin attacks again.”
Troops in a multinational peacekeeping force
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom had refused to publicly consider the possibility of a British soldiers.
Military officials believe that the United Kingdom cannot respond to its existing military commitments – let alone participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine – with the current defensive budget of £ 64 billion, accounting for 2.33%. However, sources say that Britain is willing to provide troops to a multinational peacekeeping force if this is the case with diplomatic efforts.
The Labor Party has pledged to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, but has not set a specific date, while Trump is pushing all European countries to increase them to 5%. According to reports, British military leaders are seeking a gradual increase of 2.65%.
Starmer had previously stated that British soldiers could be involved in the protection of Ukraine after a truce. The British Prime Minister, who is about to visit Trump in Washington later this month, said: “While European nations must take action right now – and we will do so – US support will remain critical, and an US guarantee Security is essential for a constant peace, because only the US can prevent Putin from attacking again. “
Representatives of the US government and Russian officials are expected after Trump’s telephone contact with Putin last Wednesday.
However, Ukrainian officials are not expected to participate in this phase of negotiations, while other European leaders may not be involved in the process.
‘Peace cannot come at any price’
Starmer added: “We must be clear that peace cannot come at any price. Ukraine must be at the negotiating table, because anything less would mean accepting Putin’s position that Ukraine is not a real nation. “
He also warned of the risk of repeating the chaos caused after the departure of US troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 under Joe Biden, who followed an agreement with the Taliban under Trump.
“We cannot have a repetition of the state of Afghanistan, where the US negotiated directly with the Taliban and excluded the Afghan government,” Starmer said. “I am sure that President Trump will also want to avoid this.”
