British PM Starmer: US should provide 'backstop' for potential peacekeepers in Ukraine
Photo: Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister (Getty Images)
The United States should provide security guarantees as a “backstop” for potential European peacekeepers in Ukraine, believes British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Reuters reports.
According to Sturmer, Britain is ready to play its role in a possible future peacekeeping mission in Ukraine only if Washington provides a certain support mechanism.
Reuters adds that despite the desire of European countries to demonstrate unity to the United States, there are still differences on the issue of the potential deployment of troops.
“I'm absolutely convinced that we need a lasting peace, not a ceasefire, and for that to happen we need security guarantees... Precisely what that layers up to, what that looks like, is obviously a subject of intense discussion,” Starmer told reporters accompanying him to Washington.
The head of the British government adds that his main concern is that the absence of a “backstop” will only allow Vladimir Putin to attack Ukraine again after some time.
The British prime minister is visiting the United States immediately after the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, who did not receive a clear agreement from Trump on the “backstop” mechanism.
Western peacekeepers in Ukraine
On February 24, Trump said he was not against sending European troops to Ukraine. This is possible as part of a “peace deal.”
The media recently reported that Europe is developing a plan to send soldiers to Ukraine. According to the reports, Ukraine's partners are ready to send up to 30,000 troops.
It is also expected that Starmer, during his visit to the United States, will demonstrate to Trump a concrete plan to send European soldiers to Ukraine.
