Starmer confirms readiness to deploy military contingent to Ukraine
Photo: Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister (Getty Images)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK is taking important steps to support Ukraine, including readiness to send a military contingent.
Starmer stated that Britain is taking important steps. He emphasized that economic sanctions and pressure on Russia will be used to strengthen Ukraine.
He noted that any lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security and that Ukraine must be a party to such an agreement.
Furthermore, Starmer stated that, in the case of a peace agreement, Britain will enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities to prevent any future encroachment on its borders.
“We will go further to develop a coalition of the willing to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace. Not every nation will feel able to contribute. But that can't mean that we sit back,” he stressed.
He also noted that for these efforts to succeed, support from the United States is essential. Starmer mentioned that he is already cooperating with US President Donald Trump.
“Let me be clear, we agree with the President on the urgent need for a durable peace. Now we need to deliver together. This is not a moment for more talk it's time to act time to step up and lead and unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace," he emphasized.
Coalition for supporting Ukraine
“We're moving forward on the coalition of the willing. A number of countries have indicated today that they want to um be part of um the plan that we are developing I'll leave them to make their own statements about exactly how they want to make that contribution," Starmer added.
He acknowledged and fully respected the positions of other states that do not feel they can contribute but expressed confidence that if at least some take part, it will allow progress.
“It is a deliberate plan to ensure that we get some momentum and pace here. It is intended to preserve the peace and to ensure that we stay in lockstep with the United States, which is the best way to preserve security and defense in Europe and the United Kingdom,” he concluded.
European Leaders' Summit
Earlier today, the British government announced that the summit in London will be dedicated to Ukraine. It will be attended by leaders from over 10 countries, as well as EU and NATO leadership.
The main topics of the summit include:
- Strengthening Ukraine’s position now, including continued military aid and increased economic pressure on Russia.
- A need for a strong and long-term agreement that ensures sustainable peace in Ukraine and guarantees the country’s ability to deter and defend against potential future attacks from Russia.
- Next steps in developing reliable security guarantees.
More details on this can be found in RBC-Ukraine’s report.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the summit around 4:00 PM (Kyiv time).
